A family physician has offered insights on the notable rise in autism diagnoses among children aged five to eight.
Leonard Sax, who has been practicing medicine for over thirty years, observed that autism diagnoses for this age group tripled between 2011 and 2022.
While awareness of autism and related conditions has certainly grown, Sax argues that this isn’t the sole reason for the increase in diagnoses.
He points out that autism exists on a spectrum, making comparisons challenging. For instance, while some individuals may be non-verbal, others, like Tim Burton, could be well-known film directors.
In his op-ed for the New York Post, Sax discussed the increase in diagnoses: “I have been a family doctor for more than 30 years.”
“OK, maybe increased awareness and screening have played a role, and without a doubt the 2013 changes in the rules for diagnosis do make it easier to say that a kid is on the autism spectrum.”
“But my first-hand experience tells me that something else, something big, is being overlooked.”
Sax identifies behavioral issues as a significant factor.
He argues that years ago, if a child acted out in class, parents would be advised to address the behavior. Today, however, teachers might suggest the child is on the autism spectrum.
“I call this problem the medicalization of misbehavior,” Sax continued.
“I am not suggesting that it’s the only explanation for the rise in diagnosis. It’s not. But it’s definitely a big part of the story.”
“I have seen this with my own eyes, not only in my own patients, but in my visits to more than 500 schools over the past 23 years.”
“In other words: That kid doesn’t really have autism. He is now being diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum, but actually he is just a snotty kid whose parents don’t know how to parent.”
Sax attributes this shift to several factors: it provides an easier route for teachers than confronting parenting issues, schools receive more funding with such diagnoses, and parents may no longer see their children’s issues as personal responsibilities once a diagnosis is made.
“As a family doctor, and as a father, I am convinced that one key requirement for success in life is to take responsibility for your own actions,” Sax wrote.
“The end result of the medicalization of misbehavior is a shift of responsibility away from the child, and the parents, to the medical/counseling/psychiatric complex.”
He encourages parents to challenge the “medicalization of misbehavior” and to “have the courage to take responsibility for your kid.”