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The Autism Spectrum

A cognitive neuroscientist explores autism, Asperger's syndrome, and related disorders.

by Lindsay M. Oberman

Lindsay M. Oberman, Ph.D. is a cognitive neuroscientist studying autism spectrum disorders. See full bio

May 4, 2008, Neuroscience

Comments on "Has the prevalence of ASD actually increased over the past several years, or are we just better at diagnosing it?"

Has the prevalence of ASD actually increased over the past several years, or are we just better at diagnosing it?

By Lindsay M. Oberman, Ph.D. on May 4, 2008 in The Autism Spectrum

After telling people that I am a researcher studying autism, I am often asked the above question. Unfortunately, there is no straight answer for this question. If one goes back in the literature, it is true that for decades (several studies conducted from 1966-late 1990's) the prevalence estimates were on the order of 4-5:10,000 while studies conducted over the past decade have estimated the prevalence on the order of 2-6:1,000 with one study showing as high as 12:1,000. So, why this difference? Is it a real increase in the prevalence of the disorder or something else? Read More

environmental stimulation

Submitted by Kaja Perina on May 5, 2008 - 8:51am.

Thanks, Lindsay. I'd love to hear your thoughts on potential environmental triggers, including the new study correlating autism rates and mercury-emitting power plants:
http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2008/04/21/daily27.html

next blog entry

Submitted by Lindsay M. Oberman, Ph.D. on May 5, 2008 - 9:07am.

Dear Kaja, Thank you for your comment. I would be happy to discuss mercury (and other "alternative") theories of autism in my next blog. Look for it next week. Lindsay

genes?

Submitted by Becky on May 5, 2008 - 1:06pm.

Are there genetic theories for autism? I agree that the idea of such rapid genetic mutation is unlikely but could the environment be impacting gene combinations? I guess I have always wondered if there is a sudden increase in those who have autistic tendancies to meet, marry, and procreate. With so many dating websites and geographic shrinkage, I am beggining to think that there really might be someone for everyone. Could people who would normally be more socially isolative be more likely these days to be pushed into the mainstream and given the opportunity to pass on genes that are less socially adaptable?

genetics and autism

Submitted by Lindsay M. Oberman, Ph.D. on May 6, 2008 - 7:54am.

Hi Becky, The new opportunities to meet people on the internet could certainly promote more people on the autism spectrum to find each other and "pass on their genes." This is an interesting observation. Lindsay