In my defense - :)

SNIP There's no single reason for this increase [in autism diagnosis], but several changes are likely behind the shift...

...In 1994, the American Psychiatric Association released the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), which recognized autism as a spectrum disorder. In essence, it became possible for someone to display mild autistic traits or more profound autistic traits.

New diagnoses, including Asperger's syndrome and the catch-all Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified PDD-NOS, were added to the manual. Neither of these terms are used today.

Upon publication of the most recent version of the manual (DSM-5) in 2013, Asperger's and the other diagnoses were eliminated and folded into a single diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD. This may mean that more people fit the criteria for an autism diagnosis, resulting in a rise in reported cases.

The several factors are covered here: verywellhealth.com - When did autism start to rise

I'm pretty sure TMF was the forum where a Doctor started cursing someone, got booted - and later died. He said he had Asperger's Syndrome and this explained the cursing. I was sorry he got booted as he was an interesting character. Now, he would be on the autistic spectrum and would have ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder. (Since Turet's is about cursing - maybe it was that - poor memory by me? :) )

The article gives a good brief recap of the history of the disorder. It is good that kids are diagnosed early as they can learn to live with the disorder and understand better the derision, bullying, and 'why they feel they don't fit in' that is happening to them. Many adults are now diagnosed and it is some relief to them it appears.

My 2 cents. :)