Fact Check: The definition of autism has become so broad that nearly everyone is diagnosed.

Fact Check: "The definition of autism has become so broad that nearly everyone is diagnosed."

What We Know

The claim that the definition of autism has become so broad that nearly everyone is diagnosed is misleading. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the current prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) among children aged 8 years is approximately 1 in 31, or 3.2%. This statistic indicates that while autism diagnoses have increased over time, they do not suggest that "nearly everyone" is being diagnosed.

The CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network reported that the prevalence of ASD has risen from 1 in 36 children to 1 in 31, but this increase is attributed to several factors, including improved awareness, better diagnostic practices, and broader definitions of autism that encompass a wider range of symptoms and behaviors (CDC). However, this does not equate to a universal diagnosis; rather, it reflects a more nuanced understanding of the spectrum.

Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that about 1 in 100 children has autism, which further supports the notion that the prevalence is significant but not ubiquitous.

Analysis

The assertion that the definition of autism has become overly broad is a common concern among some critics of modern diagnostic practices. However, the evidence suggests that while the criteria for diagnosis have evolved, the actual rates of diagnosis remain relatively low compared to the total population. The CDC's data indicates that approximately 3.2% of children are diagnosed with ASD, which is a specific and clinically significant percentage, not indicative of a broad or indiscriminate application of the diagnosis (CDC, CDC).

Moreover, the increase in diagnoses can be attributed to heightened awareness and better screening methods rather than a dilution of the diagnostic criteria. For instance, the Johns Hopkins University discusses how the rise in diagnosis rates is linked to improved identification of autism in previously underdiagnosed populations, rather than a mere broadening of the definition.

Critically, the sources of the claim must also be evaluated for reliability. The CDC and WHO are authoritative public health organizations with extensive research backing their findings, while anecdotal claims or opinions from less credible sources may lack the rigorous scientific validation required to substantiate such sweeping statements.

Conclusion

Verdict: False. The claim that the definition of autism has become so broad that nearly everyone is diagnosed is not supported by the current data on autism prevalence. The statistics indicate a significant but not overwhelming number of diagnoses, and the increase in prevalence is largely due to improved awareness and diagnostic practices rather than an indiscriminate application of the diagnosis.