Autism Rise Explained: Not Vaccines, But Diagnostic Shifts

The piece argues that the apparent rise in autism diagnoses is largely due to broader diagnostic criteria, increased awareness, and diagnostic substitution (more cases without intellectual disability), not a true epidemic or vaccine-caused increase. It cites a Swedish study showing autism diagnoses rose from 2001–2020 while the share with intellectual disability fell dramatically, suggesting diagnostic changes broadened who is diagnosed. The article also notes the Lancet/ Wakefield controversy and emphasizes that vaccines are not causing autism, while warning that political attacks on science and proposed vaccine-policy changes risk public trust and immunization efforts.