The number of US children diagnosed with autism has reached unprecedented levels, according to newly released federal data. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2022, 1 in 31 children aged 8 were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a marked rise from 1 in 36 just two years earlier — and a staggering leap from 1 in 150 in 2000.
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This increase is prompting renewed efforts from the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which has launched a wide-ranging research initiative aimed at identifying the causes behind what officials are calling a “chronic disease epidemic” in children.
What is Autism?
Autism, or ASD, is a neurological and developmental condition marked by differences in communication, behavior, and learning. Symptoms vary widely, hence the term “spectrum.” Some individuals may be nonverbal or highly sensitive to sensory stimuli, while others may communicate fluently and require minimal support. There are no blood tests or brain scans to diagnose ASD — clinicians rely on behavioral observations and developmental screenings.
While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening at 18 and 24 months, the average age of diagnosis in the US remains close to 4 years, and around 5 years globally.
Why Are Diagnoses Rising?
Experts attribute much of the rise in autism diagnoses to improved awareness, expanded diagnostic criteria, and broader access to evaluations. In 2013, separate categories like Asperger’s disorder and pervasive developmental disorder were unified under the umbrella of ASD, allowing for the identification of a wider range of presentations.
The CDC’s 2022 report notes significant gains in early detection, especially in previously underserved groups. Diagnoses are now more common among Black, Hispanic, and Asian children compared to white children, and are increasingly prevalent in socially disadvantaged communities.
Researchers say these shifts reflect better access to screening and diagnostic services. In states like California and Pennsylvania, policies have expanded pediatrician training and Medicaid coverage, leading to earlier identification and higher diagnosis rates.
Who Is Affected?
Boys are still diagnosed at significantly higher rates than girls — by a factor of about 3.4 in 2022 — although that gap is slowly narrowing. Among 4-year-olds, the diagnosis rate stood at 1 in 34. Autism was most commonly diagnosed in California (1 in 19 children) and least commonly in Laredo, Texas (1 in 103), differences that researchers say likely reflect disparities in healthcare access rather than true variation in incidence.
Importantly, disparities persist. Over half of Black children diagnosed with autism also had an intellectual disability, compared to less than a third of white children, suggesting continuing gaps in healthcare equity and support services.
What Causes Autism?
Autism’s causes remain complex and not fully understood. Scientific consensus holds that genetics account for 60% to 90% of autism risk. Researchers have linked various genetic syndromes — including Fragile X and Prader-Willi — to autism, and studies increasingly explore how environmental factors may interact with genetic predispositions.
While speculation persists around environmental triggers like air pollution or birth complications, there is no “smoking gun.” One persistent myth — that childhood vaccines cause autism — has been thoroughly debunked by extensive scientific research across continents.
Nevertheless, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has revived interest in investigating vaccine links, despite overwhelming evidence disproving any such connection. His agency has committed to delivering findings on autism’s origins by September.
How Can Autism Be Managed?
There is no cure for autism, but early and individualized support can make a significant difference. Interventions may include speech and occupational therapy, structured educational plans, family counseling, and sensory integration strategies. Experts stress that early diagnosis — ideally before age three — is critical to improving outcomes.
Recent research has also revealed a troubling trend: people with autism face more than twice the risk of early mortality compared to the general population. Advocates say this is where urgent action is most needed.
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Experts caution against framing autism as an “epidemic.” Instead, they urge policymakers and the public to see the rising diagnosis rates as a call to action — not fear. According to Dr. Kristin Sohl of the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Autistic children add value to our communities. Advocating for resources and funding to support autistic people across the lifespan is essential for a productive and healthy America.”