The number of people diagnosed with autism has grown tremendously in the past few decades. In the 1970s the rate of autism was about one in 10,000. Now it's about one in 150. But the question of whether autism is indeed spreading is contentious. In fact, so is almost every aspect of the disorder.
Most agree autism is genetic, while some believe it's caused by environmental toxins, especially vaccines. And a third camp believes people with autism should be accepted, and should in fact be proud of being different. They refer to themselves as the "neurodiversity movement."
Andrew Solomon recently wrote about the push for autism rights in New York Magazine, and he joined Word of Mouth to discuss the movement to see autism as a positive identity, not a disability.
(Photo by Norma Desmond)
