Why Is Autism Being Diagnosed More Often?

by Shoshannah Phoenix

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is being diagnosed at higher rates than ever before. This rise has sparked both curiosity and concern: Is autism becoming more common? Or are we simply getting better at recognising it?

The answer is layered and nuanced. As a health practitioner deeply rooted in natural, personalised care, I believe it’s vital to understand both the statistics and the stories behind them. Here’s a closer look at the key reasons for this growing trend:

1. We Know More Than We Used To

Awareness is one of the most powerful tools in diagnosis. Today, parents, teachers, and doctors are far more informed about the early signs of autism than even a decade ago. This cultural shift means more children (and adults) are being noticed - and supported - sooner.

Social media has also played a role. Neurodivergent voices are finally being heard, helping others recognise traits in themselves or their loved ones that once went unnamed.

2. The Definition of Autism Has Expanded

Autism used to be thought of in narrow terms, often associated only with very specific behaviours. But our understanding has evolved. The current diagnostic framework views autism as a spectrum, acknowledging that traits can vary widely - from intense sensitivities to social differences to unique ways of processing the world.

In 2013, the DSM-5 merged previously separate diagnoses (such as Asperger’s syndrome) into one umbrella: Autism Spectrum Disorder. This shift alone meant that more individuals now meet the criteria for a diagnosis—even those with subtler or highly adaptive traits.

3. Screening Starts Earlier

Routine developmental screenings have become the norm in paediatric care. Doctors are trained to spot red flags early, and referrals to specialists happen sooner than ever. Schools, too, play a role—offering assessments and interventions as part of educational support systems.

Early detection isn’t just about diagnosis—it’s about giving children the chance to grow into their strengths with the right tools in hand.

4. Stigma Is Shifting

Not long ago, an autism diagnosis was seen as something to fear or hide. Today, it’s increasingly understood as a different way of thinking and being - not a disease to cure, but a brain to understand. As stigma fades, more families feel empowered to seek answers and advocate for their children. Many adults are also being diagnosed later in life, finally making sense of lifelong differences.

5. Systems Require Labels

There’s another side to the rise in diagnosis: access to support. In many cases, services - whether educational, therapeutic, or financial - require a formal label. That reality has created a practical incentive to pursue diagnosis, especially for families navigating complex systems.

In some cases, this leads to what might feel like over-diagnosis. But in others, it’s simply a strategy to ensure support reaches those who need it.

6. Are Rates Truly Rising?

Some researchers believe there may be a modest, genuine increase in autism rates due to a mix of genetic and environmental factors—ranging from changes in gut health and toxin exposure to maternal health and advanced parental age. The science here is still unfolding, and it’s likely that both nature and nurture play a role.

As a practitioner using DNA analysis in my work, I believe genetic predispositions can shape how we respond to the world—but environment, nutrition, and early nurturing all matter just as much.

A New Way of Seeing

More autism diagnoses don’t mean more broken systems—they mean we are finally paying attention. They signal a culture that is beginning to honor difference, rather than pathologize it.

If your child—or you—has received a diagnosis, it’s not an end point. It’s a doorway to understanding, connection, and a personalized path forward.

Let’s keep asking questions. Let’s keep listening. And let’s keep building a world where every brain is seen, supported, and celebrated.