Rising Autism Rates Prompt New CDC Data and Controversy Over Causes

The CDC's recent report indicates that 1 in 31 U.S. children are diagnosed with autism, up from 1 in 36 in 2020, citing improved evaluations, particularly among underserved groups. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans to investigate environmental causes, describing autism as a 'preventable disease.' His remarks faced significant backlash from autism advocates, who argue that attributing rising rates solely to environmental factors misrepresents complex genetic and sociocultural influences. Critics have emphasized increased awareness and diagnostic advancements as key contributors to the rise in reported cases, diverging sharply from Kennedy's framing of the issue.