Half of All Children Will Be Autistic by 2025, Warns Senior Research Scientist at MIT (title)

a reply to: daftpink

Makes me wonder if any of us that grew up in the 70s and 80s have these disabilities but were never diagnosed with it.

Neuro-typicals can be considered to have savant-like abilities of social skills. It's just that most people are like that, so it's not considered in that way. Autists and Aspies have other specialties, but it is IMO misguided to see brain damage which just happens to unlock rare abilities as some sort of evolutionary advantage. It's just a beautiful organ (the brain) finding ways to function around extreme damage.

Yes the diagnosis of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) has expanded with doctor's knowledge of it, but claiming that that is solely responsible for the surge of cases is extremely dangerous and unfounded. These environmental toxins are very real, their use has greatly increased, and the damage to the brains of children is very real too.

Correlation is not causation but the evidence is mounting... And having over 1000 times the allowable level of glyphosate is going to have some seriously bad side effects, that's just using your damn brain.

I've got Aspergers , and I love who I am, but my God, the amount of suffering I went through growing up as a direct result of that is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. It literally almost killed me. Seeing people glorify this blows my mind.

originally posted by: AutumnWitch657
Part of it could be that autism like ADHD is greatly over diagnosed. Little kids are sometimes painfully shy. Parents don't want to hear their kid is a social misfit so bam, the kids autistic can't help his social ineptitude. Kid can't or won't sit still in class, is disruptive, parents don't want to hear their kid is a rotten brat bam ADHD, kid can't help he's a brat. reply to: KnightLight

Nah it's not, believe me. Parents don't diagnose their own kids. Many cases it is highlighted to the parent by a teacher or nursery teacher and then referred to psychiatrists. Parents wait years for their child to be assessed and sometimes have to fight the system to get support.

You paint a convenient picture but the reality is a child isn't suddenly labelled autistic because they are shy.

There are so many misconceptions about autism which is why this thread is slightly frustrating. People with autism struggle socially due to SENSORY IMPAIRMENT not shyness.

Here is something else to consider....I am sure a lot of you know what I am talking about too....

Part of it could be over-diagnosis. Find the right doctor, you will be diagnosed whether you have something or not. If you convince yourself, or your parent that "X" is wrong with you, then you'll be diagnosed with "X". Especially for behaviorial and psychological ailments.. sort of like a self fulfilling prophecy or the placebo effect to an extent.

Don't get me wrong, I do get it. Between the environment, drugs, terrible additives in food and the damage close proximity to some electronics does over long periods of time etc............

Also, part of it is that parents do not parent anymore. Instead, they let the TV, IPADs and video games do the parenting for them. This too can make children at young ages develop odd disorders.

In the end, I think its all a huge mixed bag coupled with the sign of the times.

originally posted by: Bloodydagger
Here is something else to consider....I am sure a lot of you know what I am talking about too....

Part of it could be over-diagnosis. Find the right doctor, you will be diagnosed whether you have something or not. If you convince yourself, or your parent that "X" is wrong with you, then you'll be diagnosed with "X". Especially for behaviorial and psychological ailments.. sort of like a self fulfilling prophecy or the placebo effect to an extent.

Don't get me wrong, I do get it. Between the environment, drugs, terrible additives in food and the damage close proximity to some electronics does over long periods of time etc............

Also, part of it is that parents do not parent anymore. Instead, they let the TV, IPADs and video games do the parenting for them. This too can make children at young ages develop odd disorders.

In the end, I think its all a huge mixed bag coupled with the sign of the times.

All i can say to that is where I live its incredibly hard to get any sort of diagnosis. The waiting list can be over five years just to be seen. Not only parents and the child are consulted but also any other carers and of course teachers are asked for their input. I'm sorry I don't know where you live but I think its safe to say in most countries it ain't parents doing the diagnosing. Many people are unaware of what autism is and don't know the signs to look out for. Funding, autism awareness and better diagnostic tool are increasing thats why autism appears to be drastically increasing. Please. I do know what I'm talking about. Worked in the field ten years, have close family with the condition, took them and many others through the long difficult drawn out process of kid getting assessed.

And your assumption that neurological disorders like autism, ADHD, dyslexia etc are due to poor parenting shows you do not understand the conditions in the slightest and is bordering on the shocking and outdated beliefs that autism was caused by 'refrigerator mothers' not paying their kids enough attention.

Here's me thinking that rate of autism in children hasn't changed at all.
It's 1 in 68 and has been since it started to be monitored.

A rise in awareness does not equal a rise in cases.

blogs.discovermagazine.com...-11062

pipeline.corante.com...

a reply to: daftpink

Well, lack of proper parenting does and will cause children to develop odd behaviors. Especially if they are the types of parents that allow TVs, IPADs and video games to do the parenting for them. They could very well develop social disorders, anxiety, become agoraphobic or even an introvert/shut in due to it.

I know quite a few of the young generation who are hardcore 24/7 online gamers that are extremely socially awkward when out in public. Then I know some of the young generation that were brought up differently that are not, and seem comfortable in their own skin out in public (these are people that I know, either kinfolks or children of friends and whatnot) - By young generation, I mean that 10-15 age group.

originally posted by: Bloodydagger
a reply to: daftpink

Well, lack of proper parenting does and will cause children to develop odd behaviors. Especially if they are the types of parents that allow TVs, IPADs and video games to do the parenting for them. They could very well develop social disorders, anxiety or become agoraphobic or even an introvert due to it.

Well given that the majority of kids watch TV, play computer games etc and the majority of kids DONT have these issues, I think your reasoning is flawed. And as I have said many times but will keep repeating until ppl get it - autism isnt an anxiety or social disorder. It's not a label for someone who is an introvert. It's a neurological disorder present from birth with the main issue being sensory impairment which leads to communication difficulties and a mirage of other problems when trying to fit into this world. And actually escapism into TV or computer games for an autistic kid may be his/her only escape so really, don't judge when you don't know what you're talking about.

a reply to: daftpink

I know quite a few of the young generation who are hardcore 24/7 online gamers that are extremely socially awkward when out in public. Then I know some of the young generation that were brought up differently that are not, and seem comfortable in their own skin out in public (these are people that I know, either kinfolks or children of friends and whatnot) - By young generation, I mean that 10-15 age group.

Do you seriously believe that bad parenting and being raised incorrectly doesn't have a negative affect on children? And yes, it most certainly does and can dictate their overall demeanor and behavior. A childs home environment and how they are brought up in life is a very essential and important thing for a child. Why? Because its what they grow up knowing. Children are very impressionable after a certain age. They start to develop certain habits based around what they grow up doing and knowing....

So you're dead wrong if you think bad parenting has nothing to do with it.

originally posted by: Bloodydagger
a reply to: daftpink

I know quite a few of the young generation who are hardcore 24/7 online gamers that are extremely socially awkward when out in public. Then I know some of the young generation that were brought up differently that are not, and seem comfortable in their own skin out in public (these are people that I know, either kinfolks or children of friends and whatnot) - By young generation, I mean that 10-15 age group.

Do you seriously believe that bad parenting and being raised incorrectly doesn't have a negative affect on children?

If a kid is naturally an introvert he'll gravitate towards computer games. And if a kid is naturally an extrovert they'll gravitate towards chatting to friends on the phone and hanging out with them. Just like my two kids who have been raised exactly the same way yet they have different personalities and gravitate towards different things, one likes playing games and being on his own the other likes talking to friends and hanging out. I don't see why you think because my son is a natural introvert that is due to bad parenting. Its absurd and is going off topic. My kids are a mix of their parent's personalities. As with most kids.

Your point about raising kids incorrectly.. are you implying all introverted children are raised wrongly?!

Of course bad parenting exists and kids can develop psychological issues due to this.

But autism or ADHD or dyslexia??

No.

a reply to: daftpink

Yes, parenting most certainly does and can dictate their overall demeanor and behavior. A childs home environment and how they are brought up in life is a very essential and important thing for a child. Why? Because its what they grow up knowing. Children are very impressionable after a certain age. They start to develop certain habits based around what they grow up doing and knowing. This CAN and WILL breed certain disorders. Maybe not all disorders, but some.

So you're dead wrong if you think bad parenting has nothing to do with it.

If you're a parent who takes your child out all the time to see friends and lets him mingle with your friends children, do you think he'll be socially awkward by his teens? Nope. However, on that same token, if all you do is allow your child to stay in his room 24/7 playing video games and watching TV and having hardly no contact with others, then naturally, he/she will be socially awkward by the time they reach their teens. Not to mention, who knows what other odd behaviors and habits they'll develop during that time.

Parenting can very much dictate how a child acts by the time they reach their teens. You reap what you sow with your children.

originally posted by: Bloodydagger
a reply to: daftpink


Do you seriously believe that bad parenting and being raised incorrectly doesn't have a negative affect on children? And yes, it most certainly does and can dictate their overall demeanor and behavior. A childs home environment and how they are brought up in life is a very essential and important thing for a child. Why? Because its what they grow up knowing. Children are very impressionable after a certain age. They start to develop certain habits based around what they grow up doing and knowing....

So you're dead wrong if you think bad parenting has nothing to do with it.

You keep editing your quote while I'm busy replying

You don't need to educate me on parenting, good or bad, I'm a parent of 3 very different kids, also i support parents who have kids with additional needs so its comes off as a bit patronising.

Lets make it clear, I think we both agree that bad parenting can give a kid issues.

However bad parenting has nothing to do with autism and other neurological conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia etc.

Please don't tell me you do believe this...i thought those outdated ignorant judgements only existed in the 1950s!

www.autism-watch.org...

a reply to: daftpink

Oh, no. Trust me, I do believe that children are born with certain disorders. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that bad parenting does these things like give children autism. I guess what I am getting at, is that bad parenting can give children issues to the point of where they maybe mistaken for having these disorders. Which has happened.

I do however fully believe that social dynamics with children fully fall on the parents shoulders. I don't think people are born "socially awkward" - Ones social skills are something that is done with repetition. Meeting folks, being with folks, talking to folks and just generally always being around others that are not your parents.

originally posted by: Bloodydagger
a reply to: daftpink

Oh, no. Trust me, I do believe that children are born with certain disorders. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that bad parenting does these things like give children autism. I guess what I am getting at, is that bad parenting can give children issues to the point of where they maybe mistaken for having these disorders. Which has happened.

I do however fully believe that social dynamics with children fully fall on the parents shoulders. I don't think people are born "socially awkward"

I see your point now and possibly that could happen although it would be the medical professional at fault for giving an incorrect diagnosis, not the parent. Hmm your last point is one of opinion i guess. Do you have kids? Because me with three very different kids all raised the same but have very very differing personalities, I would disagree. You are who you are. Your child has a personality at weeks, months old. It is pre destined. If someone is going to be shy thats because of their personality. Thinking you can shape your child's personality to the way you want isnt really parenting imo.

a reply to: daftpink

If you're shaping their personality into a positive and good manner, its good parenting. As a parent, I am certain you know that its our jobs to teach our children right from wrong and how to treat others with respect and what good manners out in public and around others are all about.

I don't think letting nature take its course and they'll "turn out how they turn out" is the right way to go about it (not saying that is what you mean, but it still applies)

a reply to: Yeahkeepwatchingme

Well I didn't speak in absolutes and there is room for actual cases in my response. I know first hand. However it has been postulated by others more informed than me that these conditions are diagnosed as a convenience rather than tell a parent that their parenting skills are under par. By which I mean over diagnosed.

a reply to: daftpink

originally posted by: daftpink

Nah it's not, believe me. Parents don't diagnose their own kids. Many cases it is highlighted to the parent by a teacher or nursery teacher and then referred to psychiatrists. Parents wait years for their child to be assessed and sometimes have to fight the system to get support.

You paint a convenient picture but the reality is a child isn't suddenly labelled autistic because they are shy.

There are so many misconceptions about autism which is why this thread is slightly frustrating. People with autism struggle socially due to SENSORY IMPAIRMENT not shyness.

So true. My grandson was first noticed by his preschool teacher before he was 2 years old. We thought she was over reacting, because her specialty was in Autism.

Because of her insistence he was tested by the state. He's borderline, he past the first testing only because I helped him. At their suggestion, we put him in a more structured preschool. Within a few months his new school requested a second testing. I didn't help him pass the second testing. Before age 3 he was in a special program at the local grade school.

His Autism is not clearly defined. He is very sociable, outgoing, always happy, and intelligent. He would have been pushed through the system if not for the knowledge and awareness of his first preschool teacher.

Even though he taught himself to read at age 3 and reads at least at a 4th grade level, they have him repeating kindergarten. The reason is to allow him more maturity to function in a structured environment.

We did not agree with putting him in kindergarten again, but went with the assessment. Today we are supportive of that decision.

originally posted by: AutumnWitch657
Well I didn't speak in absolutes and there is room for actual cases in my response. I know first hand. However it has been postulated by others more informed than me that these conditions are diagnosed as a convenience rather than tell a parent that their parenting skills are under par. By which I mean over diagnosed.

a reply to: daftpink

Wow that's really shocking and if you know of the institution that's doing this you should report it to the relevant authorities or care commission or equivalent. Never thought a professional who understood autism would ever deliberately misdiagnosis to save some sort of awkward conversation with a parent. Shocking disgraceful practice.

Really can't imagine how those poor kids and their families must be suffering with a misdiagnosis of autism. The confusion and angst that will cause is immense! The children involved will have those labels for life and be completely confused as to their identity as they mature. It will stay with them into adulthood and could even result in medication being wrongly prescribed.

Very,very irresponsible and dangerous for the child and families involved. I am shocked that professionals would knowingly do this. Would you mind telling me where this happened? You can PM me if you prefer or even just say which part of the world?