Final answer:
The 40-fold increase in autism diagnoses between 1994 and 2003 can be partially explained by increased awareness, broader diagnostic criteria, and better screening. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with varying severity, more prevalent in males, characterized by a significant rise in diagnosis rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
Between 1994 and 2003, there was a 40-fold increase in the number of people 19 and under diagnosed each year with Autism (b). Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a range of severities. The prevalence of ASD diagnoses has risen significantly, with estimates suggesting one in 88 children will develop the disorder, which is more prevalent in males. A partial explanation for the increase in autism spectrum disorder diagnosis includes greater awareness, broader diagnostic criteria, and improved screening techniques. Many students with disorders, including ADHD, may not receive the support they require, further complicating the landscape of developmental disorder diagnoses. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported on the increasing prevalence of both ASD and ADHD among children in the United States.