Date on Honors Thesis

Spring 5-2025

Major

Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education

Examining Committee Member

Dr. Jessica Branch, Advisor

Examining Committee Member

Dr. Christina Grant, Committee Member

Examining Committee Member

Dr. Chanel Schwenck, Committee Member

Abstract/Description

While autism spectrum disorder has always been around, the diagnosis rates are skyrocketing. There are many different theories and ideas as to why rates are increasing so rapidly. These theories cover a wide range of ideas such as better tests, side effects of vaccines, and everything in between. The goal of this research is to analyze the statistics on the rising rates of autism spectrum disorder diagnoses and to look into why they are rising. This research will compare diagnosis rates over the past several decades and then evaluate theories on the reason behind the diagnosis rates. Although there is likely not one simple reason behind the rising rates, this research will look into which theories are more probable, and which are not. A secondary goal of this research is to look into how the increasing rates of autism spectrum disorder are impacting classroom dynamics, both teacher to student and peer to peer. As more children are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, classroom lessons and peer interactions are changing. This research will look into some of the major differences and changes that are appearing in classrooms as a result of the rising diagnosis rates.

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