[Katheelee]

I have been involved with the autism community since 1976. The rates were not 1 in 51, it was 1 in several hundred- thousand. I have taught students with autism since 1981. The increase is real. It is not due to pot ( unless now pot is being sprayed with chemicals in production)
What is true, is that asperger is now in the definition of autism through the dsm-v. It used to have it's own category and they combined them. These are the individuals that in the 60's and 70's when i went to school were what we considered " nerds" or "brains" they were super smart in a chosen area and had no social skills.
Even with the melding of the 2 categories into one, the increase is real! There are 3 levels of autism based on the dsm-v. Level 1 is our aspergery friends that need minimal supports to function in society. Level 2 are our friends that will need supports, maybe hold a very routine job ( with help), and may be able to live on their own but will still need support in their lives to be able to do that. Then we have tge level 3 friends. These require continually supports throughout the day. They will most likely live with their parents their entire life. They will most likely not have a job, are at time nonverbal, lower cognitively, and struggle in daily living skills. They also have a higher incidence of aggression towards themselves and others
Our numbers have increased due the the diagnostic criteria BUT, the level 3 numbers have increased significantly! These people would get the diagnosis upon walking into the doctors office. They would get the diagnosis back in 1977 when I started. In my school, we have gone from 4 level 3 students in 2017 to 19 in 2024. We have 18 right now in our preschool that will be coming our way next school year. I am thankful RFK is looking at the cause. There are so many studies determining genetics, environmental causes ( plastics, GMO'S ,etc) and now the gut health of the pregnant mother. We need to find the answer for the level 3 kids. There is nothing out there for them once they age out of school and not much help for parents/relief for the 24 hour a day responsibility of taking care of these individuals.