Understanding Autism: What We Know, What We Don’t, and How Parents Can Navigate the Noise
It all begins with an idea.
How I Got Here
I’ve been meaning to start a blog and didn’t know where to start — And then the White House announced a link between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and acetaminophen. My original thought was to take the press release and debunk it point by point, but as I got started, I realized it wasn’t the most effective use of my time. The first study that was referenced didn’t even mention autism. I even double checked by searching the text for “autism” and “ASD”. The second study was called “large-scale”, but it only included 966 participants — all from the Boston area. So let’s take a look at this another way. My goal is to help you make sense of the information that’s out there. What has solid evidence, what is still being researched, and what this means for families of autistic children.
Defining Terminology
Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is a developmental difference in the brain. It is not a disorder that can (or needs to be) cured. Autistic individuals have been advocating to be referred to as autistic, and not as “a person with autism”, so that is what I default to. However, when interacting with individual autistic people, ask them what they prefer! Just like everyone else, not every autistic person feels the same way about terminology.
What Do We Know About Autism?
There is no one cause of autism. Instead, it likely comes about from a combination of factors, including genetics, the environment, and neurological differences (CDC). That’s why there is no blood test, brain scan, or other lab test that can diagnose autism.
Genetics - Over the years, I’ve worked with many autistic children and their families. I also keep up with online autistic communities. One thing I see over and over is the diagnosis of the child leading to one (or both) parents realizing that they are probably also autistic.
Environmental Factors - There are studies that explore prenatal and early-life factors like maternal health, air pollution, and birth complications (Reuters Health).
Neurological Differences - Researchers have also found differences in brain connectivity and how neurons communicate — suggesting that autism begins very early in development, often before birth (NIH).
While these are high quality studies, these findings are still not definitive. More work is being done to get a better picture of different factors that might lead to autism.
Does That Mean Autism is the Parents’ Fault?
Absolutely not! We wouldn’t blame parents for Alzheimer’s, Down Syndrome, cancer, or other genetic conditions. Most families can’t control for these factors and are just trying to do the best they can for their children. We also need to move away from this idea that autism is a bad thing. The sooner society stops trying to cure autism and instead embraces the differences of others, the sooner we can make sure that all humans — autistic or not — can lead full, happy, and independent lives.
Vaccines and Autism: The Science is Clear
Despite all the things we don’t know (yet!) about autism, here is one thing that science has made crystal clear: vaccines do not cause autism.
This myth began with a 1998 paper by Andrew Wakefield that was later retracted for falsifying data. Wakefield even lost his medical license in 2010 due to his misinformation. Since his “study”, dozens of high-quality studies from around the world have found no link between vaccines and autism (CDC).
Here are a few important points for caregivers:
The timing of signs of autism often overlap with the age when children receive vaccines. This is a coincidence — correlation does not equal causation. I wear jackets more often during flu season because it gets cold. If I get the flu, I’m not going to blame wearing a jacket — it’s just a coincidence that both things happen around the same time.
Large population studies — with hundreds of thousands of children — show the same result: kids who are vaccinated and kids who are not all have the same rates of autism. In other words, whether they have been vaccinated or not does not change the likelihood that they will get diagnosed. No other studies have been able to replicate the Wakefield “study”.
Vaccine ingredients like thimerosal (an organic compound containing mercury) are perfectly safe. No credible evidence has been found connecting thimerosal to autism. Additionally, you can get most vaccines without the ingredient (CDC).
In short, vaccines save lives. Autism is not a side effect of vaccines.
Why are Autism Diagnoses Increasing?
If vaccines and Tylenol aren’t causing autism, why do we keep seeing headlines about “skyrocketing” autism rates? That’s because the definition of Autism has changed, we’re getting better at recognizing the signs, and there is less of a stigma that comes with a diagnosis.
The Numbers
The CDC currently estimates that 1 in 31 8-year-olds meet criteria for a diagnosis of ASD (CDC)
In 2000, that estimate was closer to 1 in 150
Sure, that might sound alarming at first, but here’s why it doesn’t mean there’s an “epidemic”
The Real Reason for the Increase
Better and broader diagnostic criteria
The definition of ASD has evolved. In early versions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), many children were missed or diagnosed with other conditions. Remember how I said it’s common for parents to realize they’re autistic after their child gets diagnosed? The DSM is internationally recognized as the manual used to diagnose mental disorders, and is currently in it’s 5th edition. The DSM-5-TR captures a wider range of presentations, which is more likely to lead to a diagnosis (National Library of Medicine). The DSM-5 didn’t come out until 2013 and the TR version was released in 2022, so there are many adults who would qualify now but did not get a diagnosis as children.
Diagnostic substitution
Since many children didn’t qualify for an ASD diagnosis before the DSM updates, many children were instead diagnosed with language delays, behavioral disorders, or intellectual disabilities instead. I once worked with an adult who had no idea he was autistic, since he had only seen paperwork labeling him with another diagnosis!
More awareness and earlier screening
We’re now seeing pediatricians routinely screen toddlers for autism at 18 and 24 months. Parents and teachers are also more educated on early signs. (Johns Hopkins Public Health)
Less stigma, more advocacy
Caregivers often avoided seeking a diagnosis for their child due to stigma or fears of labeling their child. Now, many families understand that a diagnosis can unlock access to therapies, educational supports, and community understanding.
In summary, autism isn’t “spreading”. We’re just understanding it better and becoming more accepting.
What Caregivers Can Do
The conversation around autism can be confusing and emotional. Here are some tips for caregivers and families.
Act early if you have concerns
Early identification can make a huge difference. The CDC emphasizes that early intervention leads to better developmental outcomes — not because it “cures” autism or masks the signs, but because it provides access to accommodations and helps children build communication and learning skills.
Some early signs to watch out for:
Delayed babbling or talking
Regression in expressive language
Lack of pointing or showing objects
Repetitive movements (hand-flapping, rocking)
Resistance to change or transitions
If you notice any of these signs, know that sometimes they are developmentally appropriate! However, if you have concerns and notice any of these, it’s worth bringing up to your pediatrician or school. However, keep in mind that even though your child may have some of these signs, it does not mean we want to get rid of behaviors like hand-flapping or lack of eye-contact.
Understand that a diagnosis can open doors
Receiving a diagnosis doesn’t define your child — it simply gives you a roadmap. It can help you:
Access speech, occupational, or other therapies
Behavioral therapy/ABA: While I have past experience being a behavioral therapist, I have since learned that the autistic community considers it to be abusive. A quick google search on “ABA” will lead you to plenty of resources explaining why behavioral therapy can actually do more harm than good.
Qualify for school-based supports under an IEP or 504 plan
Understand your child’s strengths and sensory preferences
Connect with other families and resources
*Note: California school districts cannot provide a diagnosis. However, if you have concerns and your child is 3 or older, the school district can assess to determine if your child needs services or accommodations to access their education. They can qualify under “Autism/Autistic-Like”, but this is not an official diagnosis.
Be cautious with headlines and “new discoveries”
When you see dramatic headlines — “Toxins Cause Autism” or “New Treatment Reverses Symptoms” — pause. Ask these questions:
Is the study peer-reviewed and from a credible journal?
Was the sample large and diverse?
Are other scientists saying the same thing, or just one group?
Is someone trying to sell a product or service?
Critical thinking protects your child better than fear ever could.
Focus on support, strengths, and connection
Autism isn’t something to “fix”. It’s something to understand.
Celebrate what your child can do! Many autistic individuals have incredible focus, memory, creativity, analytical skills, and empathy.
Work with professionals who take a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach.
Build your support network — therapy teams, schools, family, friends.
Take care of yourself too! Parenting is demanding, and you deserve support and rest.
The best outcomes happen when parents feel empowered, informed, and connected.
Putting it All Together
Here’s what the research — and lived experience — tells us:
Autism is a complex neurodevelopment difference, not a single condition with one cause.
Vaccines do not cause autism.
Rising diagnosis rates reflect greater awareness and inclusivity, not an epidemic.
Early evaluation and intervention help children thrive.
Caregivers and families play a central role — not by curing, but by supporting, celebrating, and empowering their children to advocate for themselves.
At Personal Summit Speech, I believe that understanding is power. Whether your child is already diagnoses or you’re still in the early stages of wondering, you’re not alone.
If you’d like guidance or support from a speech-language pathologist who works with autistic children and their families in the schools and private setting, contact me for a free 20-minute consultation. Together, we can find the right tools to help your child communicate, connect, and grow.