British Expats

Was reading a CNN article today that said it's estimated that 1 in 40 US children are on the autism spectrum.

I don't know anyone with autism directly, although a couple of friends/acquaintances have kids on the spectrum; they've posted about it on FB.
I've also spent quite a bit of time perusing the r/parenting and r/childfree subreddits. Can't give exact ratios/percentages, but a surprisingly high
number of people report having autistic kids.

On a related note, I've seen the South Park episodes about ADD/ADHD, and just whacking the kids and it's miraculously cured. I've also read articles about how ADD/ADHD is managed/treated in France. They don't hand out speed or drugs, what have you. There are allusions/inferences to "bad parenting". Participation trophies. REEEEE! memes/autistic screeching. The Curious Case of the Dog in the Nightime. Not letting kids fail. Making kids the center of your universe instead of just having the kids (Bratleigh and Maddysen) tag along with the parents. Things have definitely changed since I was child.

Usually I was in a class of 30 kids during my middle school years. There were perhaps 1-2 kids per class who had asthma. I don't remember anyone having a peanut allergy at all.
I still like drinking milk; which quietly disgusts/freaks out some my friends. I don't remember any celiacs. Something(s) is definitely changing - I have some vague theories; would be interested in yours.

I think it is probably primarily environmental changes. Take for example, the declining sperm rate in Western males. People link it to plastic wrapping, or oestrogen released into the water supply from women taking the pill. I'm sure sedentary jobs/not exercising is probably a significant factor too.

So what's the deal with autism. What is causing it? I've heard about the anti-vaxxers. But it seems entirely plausible to me that there could be a link to antidepressant use by the parents. I hope scientists/researchers can find a link. I really feed bad for people that have to care for and nurture and educate these poor kids.