Autism is soaring— and the ‘medicalization of misbehavior’ bears blame

Autism diagnoses tripled among children 5 to 8 years of age , with smaller but still substantial increases among older age groups.

Experts have suggested many possible causes, including increased awareness and improved screening.

But Dr. Peter Bergen says parents should push back against the medicalization of misbehavior.

Bergen: If a child gets diagnosed as being on the spectrum, the school will get more money from state and federal programs.