Many families today feel that diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) appear „everywhere”. This perception does not necessarily mean a sudden increase in the number of people on the spectrum. It is often the result of an overlap of several changes: greater awareness, different diagnostic criteria and better detection.
Are ASD diagnoses on the rise or actually incidence?
The increase in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses does not necessarily mean that autism is more prevalent than before. The World Health Organisation (WHO) emphasises that characteristics of ASD may already be noticeable in early childhood, but the very diagnosis of autism is sometimes only established years later. Over time, some people who previously remained outside the system are also being „revealed” - along with better availability of specialists, greater public awareness and improved diagnostic tools.
In Poland, figures from education particularly capture the imagination. By the end of September 2022. statement on the need for special education due to ASD had 82,199 children and young people. This is a statistic from the educational support system (not an epidemiological study), but it is a good indication of how much the „visibility” of ASD has increased in practice and how large a group of people are realistically benefiting from adjustments and support.
Changes in classifications: why the „spectrum” has become wider
One of the key reasons why ASD is more likely to find its way into documentation is because of changes in classifications:
- DSM-5 (2013) combined previous recognitions (e.g. childhood autism, Asperger's syndrome, PDD-NOS) into a single ASD category and introduced levels of support needs,
- ICD-11 (internationally valid as of 1.1.2022) also moves away from the former subtypes, with a stronger emphasis on the description of functioning (e.g. with/without intellectual disability, with/without language impairment).
Poland has an implementation period, so nomenclature and codes may be „in transition”.
In practice, people who used to receive scattered labels („communication disorders”, „social difficulties”, sometimes ADHD or anxiety) are now more likely to arrive at a consistent neurodevelopmental diagnosis.
Better detection: who gets diagnosed faster and why
On the increase in diagnoses autism spectrum daily practice also has an impact:
- greater vigilance on the part of paediatricians, psychologists and teachers,
- more frequent referrals for in-depth diagnosis when difficulties arise in relationships, communication and behavioural flexibility,
- an increasing understanding that the image ASD in girls tends to be less „textbook” (masking, other social strategies).
This is not a „fad” per se, but often a catch-up for the years in which some children did not receive adequate recognition and support.
Social media: psychoeducation and the risk of self-diagnosis
The internet increases awareness, but encourages mental shortcuts: a single trait (e.g. sensitivity to sound) is sometimes treated as evidence.
Meanwhile diagnosis of ASD is based on a pattern of functioning over time and in a range of situations, rather than a „list of symptoms”. A reliable process usually combines a developmental interview, observation, standardised tools and a profile analysis of strengths and difficulties.
Why the narrative of „over-recognition”?
Parents are sometimes confronted with the comment: „now everything is autism”. There is usually one of three experiences behind this:
- more contact with the subject (more people know someone on the spectrum because they diagnosis of autism in children are more accurate),
- a clash with the support system (the judgment/diagnosis is sometimes a „gateway” to adjustments and therapy),
- simplifying the picture - when ASD is identified with a single trait instead of an overall developmental profile.
In clinical practice, it is important to distinguish between an „internet label” and a diagnosis based on standards and multi-source assessment.
When is it worth coming in for an autism diagnosis?
Not every difficulty means ASD. However, it is worth consulting your child if they are recurring:
- marked difficulties in alternate communication and understanding of intentions,
- strong need for constancy, high reactions to change, repetitive patterns,
- a sensory profile that makes daily functioning realistically difficult,
- peer difficulties that are not explained by temperament alone.
A good autism diagnosis is not a „label”, but a map of needs. It helps to select support (e.g. work on communication, self-regulation, social skills training, psycho-education of parents) and facilitates cooperation with the school. If you would like to discuss child development in a calm, structured way - start with a diagnostic consultation. Such a conversation allows you to separate observations from interpretations, sort out doubts and plan the next step: whether a full diagnosis is needed or rather support in a specific area (communication, self-regulation, peer relations).
If you see signals that repeat themselves, you don't have to be left alone with it. Contact the specialists at Kids Medic - will guide you through a diagnostic consultation, you will receive clear feedback and a plan for further support for the whole family.
Monika Maćkowska
Child psychologist
Photo source: Freepik.com
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