What's with the Increasing Autism Rates?
Autism diagnoses have increased dramatically over the past two decades, and that trend raises an understandable question: is autism actually becoming more common, or are we simply getting better at identifying it? The honest answer involves both. Expanded diagnostic criteria, greater clinical awareness, reduced stigma around seeking evaluations, and improved access to assessment have all contributed to rising prevalence figures. True environmental and biological factors may also play a role, though no single cause has been established. What's clear is that more children are being identified, and earlier, which creates both greater demand for services and a wider range of presentations within the autism spectrum. Autism Centers of Pittsburgh provides comprehensive autism evaluations for children and adults. Contact us to learn about the evaluation process.