Is there an autism epidemic?

Los Angeles skyline
Credit: Stephen Wiltshire — an artist recognised as being on the autistic spectrum. More images at http://izismile.com/2011/03/07/autistic_artist_draws_complex_images_from_memory_19_pics.html

Is there an autism epidemic?

Short answer: “No.”

Slightly longer answer: In recent times, “autism”, has been recognised as the extreme end of a spectrum of conditions, including Asperger’s & “Pervasive Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.” Any perceived epidemic is a result of broadening the definition. Adults at the extreme mild end of the spectrum may be simply seen as, “focused”. The stereotypical, “absent minded professor”, has been suggested as on the autistic spectrum^1,2.

Longer answer: http://www.wired.com/2015/08/neurotribes-with-steve-silberman/?mbid=nl_82015
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¹ “Asperger’s Syndrome”, http://www.brainhe.com/staff/types/Aspergerssyndrometext.html

² "Did Einstein & Newton Have Asperger’s Syndrome?", http://www.autism-help.org/points-%20aspergers-einstein-newton.htm / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention one in 68 children in the US on the autism spectrum autism epidemic the human experience NeuroTribes The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity recognize autistic people helped shape the modern world Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger early work on autism Asperger’s conception of autism subset of humanity accelerated the evolution of science and technology hidden thread in the weave of culture not just a childhood disorder discovering autism Leo Kanner autism childhood psychosis caused by bad parenting refrigerator mothers /