Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Why ASD rate is getting higher?

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has particularly increased in past few years. Why ASD rate is getting higher? In US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published that around 1 in 36 children have ASD in 2023. That increased from 1 in 44 in 2018. CDC

There are many factors that cause higher rate including heightened awareness, advanced diagnostic criteria, potential changes and environmental influences.

Enhanced Awareness and Screening

Psychologist identify, assess and screen more children with ASD due to greater increased awareness and improved screening . Parents, educators, and healthcare providers are now more aware in identifying early signs and symptoms of autism, providing earlier and more regular diagnoses. This heightened awareness provide significantly to the intensify prevalence rates.

Scientific American

Evolving Diagnostic Criteria

Changes in diagnostic criteria have broadened the definition of ASD, encompassing a wider spectrum of behaviors and severities. The publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) in 2013 consolidated various subtypes, such as Asperger’s syndrome, into a single ASD diagnosis. This reclassification has led to more individuals meeting the diagnostic criteria for ASD, thereby increasing prevalence rates.

Scientific American

Environmental Factors

Research recommend that environmental factors may also play a major role in the increasing rates of autism. A latest findings defines that exposed to air pollution, specifically car exhaust, during pregnancy or early infancy could lift the risk of developing ASD. The recent study found that pollutants materials like nitric oxide might disturb normal brain development, possibly contributing to autism.

People.com

Impact of Maternal Diet During Pregnancy

Nutrition that mother take during pregnancy plays an important role in a child’s neurodevelopment. Deficiencies of key nutrients or exposure to harmful substances during gestation can cause autism risk.

• Folic Acid Deficiency: Recent findings have shown that insufficient folic acid intake during the early trimester of pregnancy can higher the risk of neural tube defects and likely contribute to autism. A 2019 study published in JAMA Psychiatry finds out that mothers who took prenatal vitamins containing folic acid were less likely to have children diagnosed with autism compared to those who did not take those vitamins. (jamanetwork.com)
• High Sugar and Processed Food Intake: Diets which are rich in processed or pack foods and sugars during pregnancy are linked to inflammation and oxidative stress, which may cause fetal brain development. Some research also suggests that these dietary plans can heighten and even cause autism risk.Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD)

Dietary Factors in Early Childhood Development

The foods taken by young children during early developmental time may also impact autism-related behaviors and problems.

• Microbiome and Gut-Brain Axis: Emerging study stress the significance of gut health in neurodevelopment. A research published in Nature Communications in 2022 associated imbalances in gut microbiota, due to those diets which are low in fiber and high in sugar, to an increased features of autism-like behaviors. (nature.com) Best Recommended Foods for ASD Children: A Guide to a Healthy Diet
• Nutritional Deficiencies in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: We can find omega-3s, in fish and nuts, are important for brain development. Deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids can cause impairments in social behavior and communication, usual characteristics of autism.

Advanced Parental Age and Autism Risk

Research defines that both maternal and paternal ages can cause separately to higher risk of ASD in offspring. A study that published in Molecular Psychiatry tells that advancing parental ages can lead to higher ASD risk, with the linking being more higher as parental age increases.

Nature

• Paternal Age: Men above 50 years of age have a 66% more chances of having children identifying with autism as compared to those in their 20s. Karolinska Institutet News
• Maternal Age: Similarly, higher maternal age over 30 years can orignate higher ASD risk, with odds ratios indicating a significant rise in Probability. JAMA Network

Conclusion

The rising rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are allocate to a many-sided combination of factors, including make better diagnostic tools, greater awareness, and developed diagnostic criteria that surround a broader spectrum of behaviors. Environmental impact, such as exposure to toxins and pollutants, advanced parental age, and maternal health during pregnancy, further come up with the prevalence. Additionally, nutrition plays an essential role, of maternal deficiencies with key nutrients like folic acid or imbalanced diets affect fetal neurodevelopment, while early childhood diets have an effect on gut health and the gut-brain axis may also regulate autism-related behaviors.

Amplifying healthcare access and early intervention programs have facilitated the detection of autism in diverse populations, particularly among underdiagnosed groups. Jointly, these component reflect progress in understanding and identifying autism while underscoring the importance of continued research, early support, and adapt interventions to direct this heighten neurodevelopmental condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the increase in autism rates solely due to better diagnosis?While improved diagnostic practices and greater awareness have significantly contributed to the rise in reported cases, other factors, including environmental influences, may also play a role.
2. Do vaccines cause autism?No, extensive research has found no link between vaccines and autism. The increase in autism rates is attributed to other factors, such as improved diagnostics and environmental influences.
3. Are certain populations more affected by the rise in autism diagnoses?Recent studies indicate a significant increase in diagnoses among young adults and females, suggesting that autism affects a broader demographic than previously understood.
4. Can environmental factors like air pollution increase autism risk?Some studies suggest a potential link between exposure to pollutants, such as car exhaust, during critical developmental periods and an increased risk of autism. However, more research is needed to establish a definitive connection.
5. What steps can be taken to address the rising autism rates?Continued research, early intervention, public awareness, and the development of comprehensive support systems are crucial in addressing the increasing prevalence of autism and supporting affected individuals and their families.
6. Does having older parents guarantee a child will have autism?No, while advanced parental age increases the risk, it does not guarantee that a child will have autism. Many children born to older parents develop typically.
7. Is the risk higher with older fathers or older mothers?Studies suggest that both advanced maternal and paternal ages are associated with increased autism risk, with some research indicating a slightly higher risk linked to older fathers. Verywell Health.

Why are autism rates rising?

People.comAutism May Be Caused by Air Pollution – Specifically, Car Exhaust, New Study Says64 days agoNew York PostAutism diagnoses are skyrocketing in the US – here’s why76 days ago

References

1. “Prenatal Vitamins and Autism Spectrum Disorder Risk,” JAMA Psychiatry, jamanetwork.com.
2. “Gut Microbiome and Autism Spectrum Disorder,” Nature Communications, nature.com.