There is no autism epidemic in the United States There's an autism diagnosis epidemic. Back in the day most of the profoundly autistic were said to have "mentally retardation". The phrase “mental retardation” is offensive today, that diagnosis has miraculously gone away. Those on the lower end of the spectrum used to be said to have learning disability or even thought to be just socially awkward. Today they're all painted with a broad brush. Autism. [politybooks.com]

I do not disagree. You can apply that same observation to Covid 19 and many other clinical diagnosises. 'There is no Covid epidemic in the United States There's a Covid diagnosis epidemic. Back in the day most of the profoundly ill were said to have the flu. The term 'bronchial pneumonia' is unused today, that diagnosis has miraculously gone away. Those on the lower end of the spectrum used to be said to have a respiratory virus or even thought to just have a cold. Today they're all painted with a broad brush. COVID.'

While this does not delve specifically into autism, it is an interesting discussion between two career pediatric doctors.
Interview With Past President of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Joseph Zanga, M.D.
[live.childrenshealthdefense.org]