Three Reasons Not to Believe in an Autism Epidemic

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Gernsbacher, M. A., Dawson, M., & Goldsmith, H. H. (2005). Three Reasons Not to Believe in an Autism Epidemic. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 14(2), 55-58. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0963-7214.2005.00334.x

Publication date: 1 Apr 2005 Added to AutiHub: 3 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
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Authors

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3
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 3 (33.3%)
  1. Morton Ann Gernsbacher
  2. Michelle Dawson *
  3. H. Hill Goldsmith

Abstract

According to some lay groups, the nation is experiencing an autism epidemic-a rapid escalation in the prevalence of autism for unknown reasons. However, no sound scientific evidence indicates that the increasing number of diagnosed cases of autism arises from anything other than purposely broadened diagnostic criteria, coupled with deliberately greater public awareness and intentionally improved case finding. Why is the public perception so disconnected from the scientific evidence? In this article we review three primary sources of misunderstanding: lack of awareness about the changing diagnostic criteria, uncritical acceptance of a conclusion illogically drawn in a California-based study, and inattention to a crucial feature of the "child count" data reported annually by the U.S. Department of Education.

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Cited references
31
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
0 / 31 (0.0%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
0 / 73 (0.0%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 0 / 8 (0.0%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 0 / 70 (0.0%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
8 / 73 (11.0%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 6 / 70 (8.6%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
8 / 8 (100.0%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 8 / 73 (11.0%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 6 / 6 (100.0%).
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