The question of whether autism cases are rising because over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are overprescribed is complex and requires careful examination. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses have indeed increased dramatically over the past few decades, but this rise is largely attributed to factors other than OTC drug use.
Autism diagnoses have surged from about 1 in 150 children in 2000 to roughly 1 in 31 children today in the United States, representing nearly a 500% increase over two decades. This increase is primarily due to broader diagnostic criteria, improved awareness, better screening tools, and changes in how autism is defined and identified. For example, the DSM-5, introduced in 2013, expanded the autism spectrum to include conditions like Asperger’s syndrome and PDD-NOS, which were previously diagnosed separately. This change alone has increased the number of individuals classified as autistic. Additionally, increased public and professional awareness means more children and adults are being evaluated and diagnosed than ever before.
Environmental and sociological factors also play a role in the rising numbers, but these are complex and multifaceted. Diagnostic substitution—where individuals previously diagnosed with other developmental disorders are now diagnosed with autism—also contributes to the apparent rise. Importantly, there is no strong scientific evidence linking the overprescription or widespread use of OTC drugs to the increase in autism diagnoses.
OTC drugs, such as pain relievers, cold medicines, or allergy medications, are widely used and generally considered safe when used as directed. While some medications taken during pregnancy or early childhood have been studied for potential impacts on neurodevelopment, the evidence does not support a direct causal relationship between OTC drug use and autism. Autism is understood to be a neurodevelopmental condition with a strong genetic basis, influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. These environmental factors are still being researched, but they tend to focus on prenatal exposures, maternal health, and other biological influences rather than OTC drug overuse.
The rise in autism diagnoses among adults also reflects increased recognition rather than a true increase in incidence. Many adults are only now being diagnosed because awareness and diagnostic tools have improved, allowing identification of autism in people who were previously undiagnosed.
In summary, the dramatic increase in autism diagnoses is best explained by changes in diagnostic practices, greater awareness, and improved detection rather than by the overprescription or overuse of OTC drugs. Autism is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors, and curren
