Increases in Identified Cases of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Autism is the term commonly used to refer to autism spectrum disorders, a group of neurodevelopmental disorders involving sensory processing problems and social and language difficulties. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the exact prevalence of autism is unknown. Estimates range from 1 person in 500 to 1 in 1,000 in this country; and the number of people diagnosed with autism is growing. This article assesses the policy implications of the autism “epidemic.” It begins with an overview of the disability policy—making process in the United States and its implications for autism policy and proceeds to a discussion of the social construction of autism as a policy issue. This is followed by an analysis of federal and state governments' institutional capacity to respond to the autism epidemic.