Is autism either being more precisely identified, or simply increasing?Autism is now appearing in 1 in 88 children according to the CDC. The question is whether or not autism in actually on the rise or is being identified sooner as a result of more precise diagnostic techniques. I recall reading a few short years ago the notion that autism may be increasing as a result of internet dating, a means by which individuals with more milder forms of autism--and who according to the reports seem to have a higher-than-average representation in the sciences--could meet. A little bit of autism here and a little bit there and then...more autism? However, I don't think the idea was simply that. One of the proponents of this idea (Susan Greenfield if I recall) seemed to take the position that increased internet usage (and that was a few years ago, say about five or six--online time has increased considerably since then) was actually affecting the development of the brain. Interestingly enough, I recently read "The Shallows: What the internet is doing to our brains" by Nicholas Carr. The book is a compelling read and was a finalist for the 2011 Pulitzer Prize in general nonfiction. Carr also wrote an article for The Atlantic Monthly titled "Is Google making us stupid?". My feeling is yes. Carr wrote that acquiring information through web documents that are extensively hyperlinked provides a disruptive effect between the temporary storage of newly learned information and the physical transfer of this information into areas of the brain that serve as long-term storage. Basically, the constant flitting about online has the effect of overwhelming what is referred to as our working memory, thus preventing the ability of individuals to retain what they are exposed to. This in turn has a dumbing down effect because it hampers the development of schemas of organized knowledge that, ordinarily, would serve as a mental library that provides context and insight for all the information that we continually come across (and these days, that's a lot). In short, we should expect upcoming generations of children to be better multi-taskers but with poorer attention spans, less accumulated in-depth knowledge, and, most distressingly, less insight and, perhaps, poorer judgement. It makes me wonder how difficult things may be for teachers and parents in the coming years. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: SSI disability maximum dollar amount How to get disability with Plantar Fasciitis Denied for disability length of illness If I file for disability do I need pharmacy printouts? Will disability go up at retirement age? What can I expect from a Social Security Mental Examination or Evaluation? Filing for disability with obesity Applying for disability with depression What medical conditions get you approved for disability? Social Security Disability qualifications How to claim disability benefits How to file for disability in Massachusetts If You Get Approved For SSDI Will You Also Get Medicare? How to get disability with arthritis, osteoarthritis How to file for disability in Oklahoma |
