This there really an autism spectrum disorder epidemic, or are doctors just labeling people with that name?

No there is more: It is true that there is more recognition now than before, but you can't account for the increase just by more vigilant diagnosis. If you talk to older pediatricians and family doctors they will tell you they used to see maybe 2 or 3 kids with autism their whole time in training. Now it is estimated to be 1 out of 88 kids (1 out of 54 boys, and 1 out of 252 girls).

Autism: Is up 6000% in the last 20 years. It has increased from 1:150 to 1:60 (according to some statistics) and it affects boys 4:1 to girls. It is not the result of better diagnosing or improved reporting. It is a problem.

Complicated: The spectrum came about as a new umbrella that includes not only Autism, but Aspergers & Pervasive Developmental Delay Not Otherwise Specified.The PDDNOS label was the "everything else" label.This was helpful to the kids, whose therapies were often similar, & schools would now receive consistent funding for their care.They were there, just not included in early numbers.There is also an increase.