I can tell you both as parent of child on spectrum and teacher for 28 years just retired and still subbing that this “school explosion in diagnosis “ is both money and get out of jail card for a majority of parents. I have filled out countless checklists for children to determine their autism levels. Remember there is no medical test. The diagnosis is purely observation and antidotal. Only three were truly autistic in meaning affected learning and social well being. The rest were doctor shopped so parents could get money, excuse for child behavior, special accommodations not needed, or social status. There was one doctor in my town that gave 100% diagnoses and 100% medications. Four of these children behaved fine in my class and were on honor roll. Having raised an autistic spectrum child who is now successful man in every aspect, it is hard work and long hours, but what I see now is just an industry that is booming from this new “crisis”. A lot of diagnosing to raise a lot of money and misbehaving low achieving children.
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