{"title":"The increasing prevalence of autism spectrum disorders","authors":"Johnny L. Matson, Alison M. Kozlowski","doi":"10.1016/j.rasd.2010.06.004","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><span>Undoubtedly, one of the most frequently studied conditions in the field of mental health today is the </span>autism spectrum disorders (ASD). One of the most controversial topics with respect to this population is the prevalence of this spectrum of disorders. The number of cases has risen dramatically, and various hypotheses have been put forward to explain this phenomenon. Among the most frequently addressed possibilities are expanded diagnostic criteria, more awareness of the disorder, diagnosis at earlier ages, and the recognition that ASD is a lifelong condition. The current paper is a review of the extant literature on this topic. Current status of prevalence research is reviewed and conclusions about the current state of the research are discussed.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48255,"journal":{"name":"Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders","volume":"5 1","pages":"Pages 418-425"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1000,"publicationDate":"2011-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1016/j.rasd.2010.06.004","citationCount":"496","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1750946710000917","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"EDUCATION, SPECIAL","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 496
Abstract
Undoubtedly, one of the most frequently studied conditions in the field of mental health today is the autism spectrum disorders (ASD). One of the most controversial topics with respect to this population is the prevalence of this spectrum of disorders. The number of cases has risen dramatically, and various hypotheses have been put forward to explain this phenomenon. Among the most frequently addressed possibilities are expanded diagnostic criteria, more awareness of the disorder, diagnosis at earlier ages, and the recognition that ASD is a lifelong condition. The current paper is a review of the extant literature on this topic. Current status of prevalence research is reviewed and conclusions about the current state of the research are discussed.
期刊介绍:
Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders (RASD) publishes high quality empirical articles and reviews that contribute to a better understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) at all levels of description; genetic, neurobiological, cognitive, and behavioral. The primary focus of the journal is to bridge the gap between basic research at these levels, and the practical questions and difficulties that are faced by individuals with ASD and their families, as well as carers, educators and clinicians. In addition, the journal encourages submissions on topics that remain under-researched in the field. We know shamefully little about the causes and consequences of the significant language and general intellectual impairments that characterize half of all individuals with ASD. We know even less about the challenges that women with ASD face and less still about the needs of individuals with ASD as they grow older. Medical and psychological co-morbidities and the complications they bring with them for the diagnosis and treatment of ASD represents another area of relatively little research. At RASD we are committed to promoting high-quality and rigorous research on all of these issues, and we look forward to receiving many excellent submissions.