Is autism worse today than 20 years ago?

The prevalence of autism diagnoses has increased significantly over the past 20 years. Estimates vary due to differing diagnostic criteria and methods, but studies generally report a several-fold increase in prevalence since the 1990s. This increase cannot be fully explained by factors such as improved awareness, screening rates, or diagnostic practices alone. Several potential reasons have been proposed to contribute to this trend, including genetic factors, changes in diagnostic criteria, and environmental factors. However, the exact cause of the apparent rise in autism prevalence remains controversial and complex. Continued research is needed to fully understand the reasons behind this phenomenon.