Are Autism and ADHD on the Rise (and Why)

Autism and ADHD, especially among children, have become an increasing topic of interest and point of concern for parents, doctors, and teachers alike. 

The latest statistics reveal a dramatic increase, but numbers alone don’t tell the whole story.

But are these disorders truly becoming more common, or are we just getting better at recognizing them? 

Let’s take a closer look at what the data tells us and what might be causing the current rates of autism and ADHD.

What Are Autism and ADHD?

Before we dive into the possibly rising rates of autism and ADHD, let’s take a closer look at each of these disorders and what they encompass. 

Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), commonly referred to as autism, is a lifelong developmental disorder that affects social skills, communication, behavior, and learning. 

Autism is a spectrum disorder because of the broad range in the types and severity of its symptoms. Individuals with high-functioning autism may exhibit barely noticeable symptoms, while those with low-functioning autism may need ongoing help and care throughout their lives.

These are some of the more common characteristics of autism. 

• Difficulty communicating 
• Difficulty interacting socially with others
• Hyperawareness—or lack of awareness—of sensory input
• Irritability
• Repetitive behaviors
• Resistance to changes, transitions, or disruptions of their routine
• Restricted interests
• Sleep issues
• “Stimming” or self-stimulation
• Symptoms that create challenges at school, work, and in other areas of life

Because of its close ties to development, autism is usually diagnosed by age 2, although it can also be diagnosed for the first time in adolescents and adults. 

ADHD

According to the American Psychiatric Association, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders among children today. 

These are the three most common symptoms of ADHD:

• Inattention: the inability to stay focused
• Hyperactivity: constant movement at inappropriate times/places
• Impulsiveness: acting hastily, before thinking through consequences 

Not everyone with ADHD will exhibit all three symptoms, although many will.  

The Link Between Autism and ADHD

Autism doesn’t cause ADHD, nor vice versa. 

However, there is a close tie between the two. 

People with autism often experience other medical conditions, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal (GI) issues, seizures, and sleep disorders. 

In fact, research shows that roughly 63% of people on the autism spectrum are also diagnosed with ADHD. 

A rising rate of autism, then, would also cause a rising rate of ADHD. 

But is autism on the rise? And is ADHD on the rise? 

Let’s find out. 

Are Autism and ADHD Rates Rising? 

In short, yes. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) numbers show that more and more people, particularly children, are being diagnosed with autism and ADHD than ever before. 

• In 2000, 1 in 150 children were diagnosed with autism.
• In 2018, 1 in 44 children were diagnosed with autism.
• In 2023, 1 in 36 children were diagnosed with autism.

ADHD is also increasing. 

• In 2022, 7.1 million children and adolescents were diagnosed with ADHD, an increase of one million from the number diagnosed in 2016.

Although the numbers show a definite, and alarming, jump in autism and ADHD, they don’t explain what is causing the increase.

So, what causes autism? And what causes ADHD? Let’s take a closer look at what could be behind the rising rates of autism and ADHD.

What Can Be Causing Higher Autism and ADHD Rates?

Clearly, autism and ADHD rates are climbing. Let’s take a closer look at what could be causing the increase in cases. 

More accurate Testing

As medical technologies evolve, testing becomes more accurate and leads to a higher rate of diagnosis. 

Improved diagnostic capabilities, for instance, may make it easier for physicians to diagnose high-functioning autism and milder symptoms of ADHD.

Added to this, more parents are noticing other behavioral symptoms in their children. They might be bringing their children to the doctor for anxiety or depression, and the resulting diagnosis might include autism or ADHD as well. 

Testing among minorities has also improved, which may also contribute to the rising rates. 

Increased Awareness

In the past, parents were quicker to brush off symptoms of autism or ADHD in their children, chalking them up to kids being awkward, shy, or fidgety. Adults with these symptoms accepted them as quirks.

In today’s online society, however, there is an increased awareness as to what these symptoms may mean. There are websites, discussion forums, and social media accounts that focus on autism and ADHD support. 

And, autism is now recognized as a spectrum disorder, helping more patients with less severe or obvious symptoms receive the proper diagnosis. 

Gut Health

Can gut health affect autism and ADHD? 

One recent study shows a connection between the intestinal flora—the bacteria living in the gut microbiome—of young children and the likelihood of developing autism and ADHD later in life. 

Researchers studied the gut bacteria present in children from birth to age one and found significant differences between the intestinal flora in those who went on to develop autism and/or ADHD and those who didn’t. 

Another interesting correlation became evident during this study. Children who were given antibiotics during their first year were more likely to be diagnosed with autism or ADHD. 

But how are antibiotics related to gut health? The answer lies in bacteria.

Although the main purpose of antibiotics is to kill harmful bacteria, they can’t distinguish between bad bacteria and good ones. So antibiotics wipe out both kinds of bacteria equally, clearing the path for bad bacteria to repopulate your gut. 

More specifically, researchers found that children who were given antibiotics showed a deficit in two types of protective (beneficial) bacteria, which also resulted in an increase in pathogenic bacteria. 

This link was even clearer when antibiotics were given for ear infections, which are incredibly common in early childhood: more than 80% of children have ear infections before the age of three. 

These same children would later have an increased risk of being diagnosed with autism or ADHD. 

Environmental Toxins

Toxic substances in food, cleaning products, home goods, soil, and even floating in the air can also be affecting the rising rates of autism and ADHD. 

The same study that showed a link between gut health and an autism or ADHD diagnosis also showed a link between toxins and autism/ADHD. 

The children who went on to be diagnosed with autism or ADHD were shown to have higher levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of synthetic chemicals. 

These chemicals have been used since the 1940s to make a diverse range of products, including nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fibers, flame retardants, and even some cosmetics. They can enter your body through drinking water, food, and even in the air you breathe. 

Another culprit may be one of the most common household products, plastic. 

Since the 1950s, some plastic products included the chemical additive bisphenol-A (BPA). This includes storage containers, water bottles, and more. 

If you store food or beverages in plastic containers with BPA, the chemical can leach into your food and you’ll inadvertently ingest it. It’s even worse if it’s heated; microwaving food in a plastic container or drinking from a water bottle that’s been in the sun increases the chances of it containing BPA. 

And while your body does eventually eliminate BPA, studies show that people with autism or ADHD take longer to detoxify their bodies, leaving them exposed to the chemicals for longer. 

In this case, although the chemicals themselves might not cause autism or ADHD, the prolonged exposure might trigger its development. 

What Can You Do? 

When it comes to autism and ADHD, some inevitable factors such as genetics can increase your risk factors. 

But there are still actions you can take to reduce your chance of autism and ADHD. 

Balance Your Gut Microbiome

As we mentioned above, poor gut health can be a contributing factor in the development of autism, which in turn can result in ADHD, too. In fact, 80% of your immune system resides in your gut, so when your gut microbiome is imbalanced, a multitude of issues could arise. That’s why supporting your gut health is crucial.

Your gut is home to both beneficial and pathogenic bacteria. You can picture them as living on scales—when one type of bacteria flourishes, it tips the scales in its favor. With limited “real estate” in your gut, this will crowd out the other type of bacteria. 

Ideally, the colonies of good bacteria will be more dominant, promoting your gut health and overall health. 

Here are some things you can do to balance your gut. 

• Eat high-fiber foods. Fiber is a prebiotic, acting as nourishment for your gut bacteria. 
• Reduce your sugar intake. Sugar does the opposite of prebiotics, serving as fuel for pathogenic bacteria and helping their colonies grow and thrive. 
• Get plenty of sleep. Studies show that sleep quality is linked to gut health. 
• Limit your stress. Try meditating, journaling, or spending time in nature. 

Avoid Antibiotics

As much as possible, try to avoid antibiotics. Over-prescription of antibiotics is all too common, so you must be your own health advocate. In fact, according to the CDC, “at least 28% of antibiotics prescribed in outpatient settings are not needed.”

Of course, depending on your health, sometimes antibiotics are necessary. Talk to your doctor and make the best decisions for your health.

Take a Supplement

The right supplements can make a significant impact on your gut health—and overall health in turn. And, as we discussed earlier, there are definite links between gut health and autism, as well as gut health and ADHD. 

We recommend the Ultimate Immunity bundle from Just Thrive, which includes both a spore probiotic and an immune-supporting formula. 

Just Thrive Probiotic is a spore probiotic. These probiotic strains are particularly effective because they are equipped with an endospore shell which protects them from digestive acids and enzymes, so they arrive in your gut 100% alive and ready to join and support the existing colonies of good bacteria. 

Containing four clinically-proven strains of beneficial bacteria, Just Thrive Probiotic helps to balance your gut microbiome and promotes your digestive health and overall well-being. 

The Ultimate Immunity bundle also contains Ultimate IgG, an immune-supporting supplement that helps your body protect itself from invaders. Strengthening your immune response not only keeps you healthy but also reduces the need for antibiotics. 

Eliminate Toxins

Despite the prevalence of toxins that surround us, you can take steps to eliminate them from your home—and your body. 

Here are some things you can do to avoid exposure to toxins. 

• Choose foods with organic and non-GMO labels. 
• Read labels carefully, avoiding artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and other toxic ingredients. 
• Drink plenty of water, to encourage your body to eliminate waste and toxins. 
• Use glass or ceramic containers, not plastic, for food and drinks. Although many plastics are now labeled BPA-free, they might contain other, less-studied forms of bisphenol. 
• Use non-toxic cleaning products or make your own. 

Final Thoughts

There’s no doubt that both autism and ADHD are rising, and the connections between our current lifestyle and the industrialized world are a likely factor. 

And while there is no “cure” for these disorders, you can make choices that support your health and overall well-being. 

Opt for organic foods, non-toxic materials, and a spore probiotic supplement, and you’ll be giving yourself a great foundation for physical, mental, and emotional health. 

You May Also Like…