WEDNESDAY, April 16, 2025 (HealthDay News) — 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, the Associated Press said.
Rates were higher among boys, and also among children who are Asian/Pacific Islander, Black or American Indian/Alaska Native, the CDC added.
Autism is a developmental condition linked to differences in the brain. Symptoms vary, but may include delays in learning and speech, trouble with social interactions and a strong need for a routine.
Until the 1990s, autism was considered rare. Back then, only children with severe symptoms were typically diagnosed. But it came to include a range of other mild conditions, known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), The Associated Press said.
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.
Kennedy also claimed the program would help remove those causes. During a recent meeting at the White House, Kennedy and President Donald Trump both referenced the new 1-in-31 stat, The Associated Press said.
Kennedy’s announcement drew much criticism for his decision to hire Dr. David Geier to lead the research.
Like Kennedy, Geier has long pushed the idea that vaccines cause autism. In 2011, Maryland officials found that Geier practiced medicine without a license.
More information
Autism Speaks has more on autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
SOURCE: The Associated Press, April 15, 2025
