Culture Post: Autism Rates Rise Again, Now Affecting 1 in 31 U.S. Children

The following is excerpted from an online article posted by HealthDay.

Autism diagnoses are on the rise again, with about 1 in 31 U.S. children affected, according to a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The latest data, from 2022, shows a jump from the 2020 estimate of 1 in 36.

The report looked at health and school records for 8-year-olds in 14 states and Puerto Rico.

Rates were higher among boys, and also among children who are Asian/Pacific Islander, Black or American Indian/Alaska Native, the CDC added.

Previously, the CDC estimated 1 in 150 kids had autism. That rose to 1 in 44 by 2018, 1 in 36 in 2020, and now 1 in 31.

Experts say the increase is due to better awareness and improved screening. There’s no blood or lab test for autism; doctors make the diagnosis by observing behavior.

Over the years, research has ruled out childhood vaccines as a cause. Other studies have explored genetics, as well as age of parents, maternal health and exposure to certain chemicals. Some researchers suspect a combination of factors could play a role.

Still, some people still continue to question the science. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently announced plans for a major autism research effort.

He said it would involve hundreds of scientists worldwide and find the cause of autism by September.

Source: HealthDay
https://www.healthday.com/health-news/child-health/autism-rates-rise-again-now-affecting-1-in-31-us-children

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