I was surprised to learn that from 2002 to 2012, the CDC reported a 121% increase in autism spectrum disorder prevalence, from 6.6 to 14.6 per 1,000 children. does this mean the actual number of cases had exploded, or do the numbers reflect changes in how we diagnose and report ASD.

is the rise more about increased awareness and better reporting than a true rise in cases? What are your thoughts on how improved data collection methods can affect disease statistics?