posted April 14, 2010 11:58 AM
"According to some laypersons, 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 beyond purposely broader diagnostic criteria, coupled with deliberately greater public awareness and intentionally improved case finding. Why is the public perception so disconnected from the scientific evidence? This lecture reviews 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." http://www.vimeo.com/2769159
Also Autism used to be thought as a type of schizophrenia in the past. The symptoms/traits of autism overlap with those of schizophrenia.
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Raymond
Supporting the Neurodiversity Movement
A Different Mind Is Not A Deficient Mind.
http://people.tribe.net/4b0cf8c4-1fc3-4171-92d3-b0915985bf95/blog