Autism condition is not fueled by any environmental causes but has been always common and is broadly misunderstood, says a new research. Findings of the research show that autism condition has been there all along.
Steve Silberman, author of "NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity," walked his readers through the past research of Leo Kanner and Hans Asperger about autism. He found out from the start that there have been a steady number of people with autism.
Silberman said Kanner's definition of autism disorder was very narrow, excluding kids who had seizures, which is very common sign and symptom of autism in kids. When asked why does seizures even matter today, Steve answered because of gradual increase of kids being diagnosed with autism.
Steve also pointed out that increase in autism disorder diagnoses was not triggered by any mysterious or puzzling environmental agent. In fact, it has been there all along.
"If you read a story in the New York Times about the rise in autism it will say, 'It's a mystery, it's a puzzle, it's a baffling enigma." Silberman said to WCAI. He added, "Really? Is it really such a bloody puzzle?"
To prove it, he pointed out a research conducted in England, which examined autistic adults who were undiagnosed, and discovered that the populations of both children and adult with autism were very similar. Thus, the concerns regarding other environmental factors causing an increase in autism must be viewed with extra caution.
Meanwhile, several movements and organizations are working on to diagnose autism disorder accurately and to know the strengths of autistic people. Among these are Walgreens and SAP, which formed a delivery facility operated by people with autism and some people with other types of mental defect. Steve said that what they are finding is that autistic people are really a boon to workplaces, communities and even to schools.
