Some symptoms seem like normal behaviour of an anti-social person. So im still confused.

Nowadays it is more common due to better awareness, my eldest is mild autistic and he turns 8 this year still non-verbal, my brother-in-law first born daughter also autistic but on the more aggressive spectrum. I guess it runs in my wife's side of the family.
There are many theories of causes of autism i.e. heavy metal, food, supplement etc but to date not even one is conclusive.

He is not antisocial but super lazy. Laugh when it's not funny, cause the awkward situation. Repeat the same thing again and again, which is super annoying.

I believe different people have different symptoms. 

The later birth age is definitely a contributor.

I think the biggest reason is that our society has generally gotten a lot safer, so taking care of an autistic child is actually possible. In the past, it would have meant their death.

Our technological advancement also favours autistic people. So those with slight autistic traits excel in their field and have a chance to pro-create, increasing the trait in the gene pool.
Autism got extreme cases also wan la, how much you intervene also difficult.

During your youth your circle of friends is smaller. Like the examples you gave below only can happen later in life.

Also during your youth(mine as well) you may not notice autism even when you see it. Less awareness at that time.

It may also be cases has increased. No definite answer without proper statistics.

but he is able to work and solve complex working issues, right?

It's like a normal person until he speaks. But muka ada macam sedikit cacat.

Yup birth at later age has been proven to be the reason, statistically.

However, during my granny days, she gave birth to 8 children, her sister also gave birth to another 8, the 6th to 8th children were given birth when she was in her 40s, yet these issues does not happen.

I just suspect its more due to our modern living, we are living among more n more microplastics and pollution.

Having a child later in life, especially if it's your first, can come with more risks. Once you have your first child at a younger age, you're less prone to complications even if the next ones come later—at least that's what I've heard.

I'm personally rather surprised to read through this thread, as I didn't know it was that common. Fortunately, I don't personally know anyone in my circle whose child is autistic—at least not yet.

It's been existed for a long time, but the nonverbal Autism looks really obvious and quite a lot nowadays compared to last time.

Are you asking in Malaysia specifically? Beause a quick google search will give you the answer.

I don't really have the stats in Msia, just a discussion with you guys.

I don't know if you all feel the same way, but unlike my youth days I didn't meet a lot of people having autism issue until present day. Some may say it was due to awareness and education from internet and social media to help us know how an autistic person is like.

However, thinking back, I didn't really meet a lot of people who have autism.

But these days it appears to be more prevalent than before. I mean autistic kids, I love them, they are nice and cute, sometimes I volunteer to help out with the kids.

On the other hand, I felt a sense of concern because I notice how these kids are going to fit in the working life. I do try my best to help but I think today there are more and more of kids being diagnosed with autism than before.

For eg, in my office alone, I have a staff with 8 kids, 2 of his kids are autistic, another colleague from another dept he has 3 kids, 1 of his kid is autistic and then another colleague at another department, she has 3 kids, third one is autistic (non audible), then another colleague has 3 kids, 3rd one also autistic (non audible).

I went to a class reunion, we agreed to set up a few tables, 3 for adults and 2 for kids. during the party, the adults will rotate to the kids table to help take care of the kids, I found out of the 2 tables sitting, 2 kids are autistic.

Then 7 years ago, I befriended a friend, in the course of my volunteer work, who is also autistic, he is about 24yo. He can speak, a very nice guy, he can speak, except he is very naive...sometimes I am afraid that he may kena scam, he so easily trust people. And when he speaks he keeps repeating stuff, I am ok with that. Fortunately there is a co, that is helpful and hired him to do simple work.

So it all boils down to this: WHAT IS HAPPENING TODAY?

Is it because of more awareness level, that more people are diagnosed with autism than 15 years ago?
Or is it because of pollution, the processed food we eat, microplastic issue absorb by the human body, the environment that is causing more autism cases? Of course to date scientist is unable to proof this, but its very concerning that more cases are out today.

I known some close friends who are spending 3k per month on special education for their kids, its become a significant financial spending for families.

There is no cure, there is no way one can detect autism in the womb. Some only find out when they notice the kid is not talking up to 2-3yo, depending on the severity of the autism spectrum.

I've been told in hindsight autism was more prevalent back in the day

Just that it was not recognised as such

And many of them die

food and environment.. maybe damages baby health in woman's body...

just how many women these days really jaga their makan when they pregnant? eat like usual..... everything got preservatives/ pesticides..

also I suspect got DNA damage too..

True, I agree with your points there, I also have a daughter who may/may not have autism, she is now 1 years and 4 months old and she can't speak anything yet and it gave me concern also the cost is too high.  I read a lot now about autism and it seems there have been many research regarding this matter.  I also read about human evolution because most autistic kids are very smart.  Scientist have made assumptions that maybe we are evolving. big IF here.  Anyway I have been close monitor my daughter and tried many ways to educate her to be able to speak even one words.  Please pray for me and my family guys.

Cheers!  

i m a teacher.

i can confirmed that more autismic children nowadays and some are severe.