CDC Reports Rising Autism Rates as HHS Secretary Calls for Investigation into Causes
The CDC reports 1 in 31 U.S. children diagnosed with autism; HHS Secretary Kennedy warns of an 'alarming' increase and seeks environmental studies.
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Kennedy’s remarks come after a new federal report suggests that autism rates in the US are rising.
RFK Jr contradicts experts by linking autism rise to ‘environmental toxins’
The Guardian·17d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.The effort will involve issuing grants to universities and researchers, Kennedy said.
Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says US autism cases are climbing at an 'alarming rate'
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Dozens of major studies have found no connection between MMR vaccines and autism.
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Kennedy made it clear that he believes "environmental factors" are driving the increase in the condition, not genetics.
RFK Jr. Is Using a New Study on Autism Rates to Push His Anti-Vaccine Agenda
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Finding the ‘cause’ of autism in five months is ‘unrealistic and misleading’.
RFK Jr. wants to find 'cause' of autism. Here's what people in autism community think
USA TODAY·17d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The CDC study counters him, noting that "research has not demonstrated that living in certain communities puts children at greater risk for developing [autism spectrum disorder]."
RFK Jr.: Autism Epidemic 'Running Rampant'
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The newly revealed higher rates in some of the network's underserved communities could link ASD prevalence to social determinants of health, such as low income and housing and food insecurity, the authors say.
Autism rate rises slightly; RFK Jr. claims he’ll “have answers by September“
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An estimated 1 in 31 U.S. children have autism, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Tuesday, marking another jump in a long string of increases.
Autism treatment is exploding across the U.S.— and now 1 in 31 kids are getting diagnosed
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This steady increase in prevalence calls for deeper, sustained investment in autism research, not only to understand its causes, but also to support the growing number of people diagnosed today.
Autism rates in US rose in 2022, CDC data shows
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The finding, based on an analysis of medical records from 2022, reflects a dramatic rise in autism over the past two decades.
Autism rates have risen to 1 in 31 school-age children, CDC reports
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Summary
The CDC's latest report shows 1 in 31 U.S. children are diagnosed with autism by age 8, a significant increase from 1 in 36 in 2020. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. labeled this rise as alarming and plans exhaustive studies to explore potential environmental causes, calling autism a 'preventable disease.' Critics argue that this framing is harmful, emphasizing that existing research attributes rising diagnosis rates to improved screening and awareness. The recent increase in diagnoses highlights ongoing disparities in autism identification, particularly among Black, Hispanic, and low-income children, while experts stress the importance of maintaining accurate discussions free from stigma.
Perspectives
CDC reports a rise in autism diagnoses to 1 in 31 among U.S. children, attributed to better access and improved diagnostic practices, particularly in underserved communities.
Kennedy's assertion of an autism epidemic is critiqued by experts, who emphasize that increases are largely due to heightened awareness and advances in diagnosis and services, rather than an actual rise in cases.
The need for robust research into autism is emphasized, particularly to address disparities and ensure that support services are accessible for all affected families.
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