Why Are Autism Diagnoses Rising? U.S. Health Chief Promises Answers

Just a couple of decades ago, autism was considered rare. Now, it’s become a common diagnosis for children in many parts of the world.

In the United States, about 3.2% of all 8-year-olds are now diagnosed with autism, according to Videnskab.

This is a huge jump from the year 2000, when the rate was just 1 in 150 children.

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wants answers.

He calls it an epidemic and promises to find out why before September.

Many experts are skeptical. Camilla Stoltenberg from Norway’s research institute NORCE says the timeline isn’t realistic.

She believes it’s good to look for answers but doubts that clear conclusions can be reached so quickly.

She points out that this kind of research needs access to data most don’t even know exists.

Kennedy believes environmental factors are to blame, not genetics. He has often spoken out against vaccines.

He points to the MMR vaccine as a possible reason for the rise in autism. But scientists say there is strong evidence that vaccines do not cause autism.

Camilla Stoltenberg says this link has been disproven by solid studies. According to her, there is very little doubt about this.

Still, Kennedy has put vaccine skeptic David Geier in charge of the autism research.

Despite his earlier views, Kennedy now tells people to get the MMR vaccine during the current measles outbreak in the U.S.

Kennedy also believes science has focused too much on genetics. But researchers like Alexandra Havdahl from Norway’s health department say genes play a big role.

Over 100 rare gene variations have been linked to autism. Common gene types also add up and increase risk. Studies show genetics may explain up to 80% of the risk.

Diagnosis methods have changed over the years. That explains part of the increase.

More people, especially girls and children from low-income families, now get diagnosed. In the past, many were missed or misdiagnosed.

Other possible factors include early birth, older parents, or problems during pregnancy.

But it’s hard to prove these ideas. Experts agree that we still don’t know everything.

More research is needed. But we do know a lot more than we did 25 years ago.