i think we hear about autism a lot more now because it's more widely diagnosed as compared to in the past where such things were kept hush hush, or parents didn't want to seek professional opinion to diagnose their children. so it's also more of a change in our environment (more openness etc) that has led to autism becoming more "popular" and frequently heard about.

there might be a link between autism and gadget use, probably more studies would be required. but just wanted to share one view on why autism is more known now.