Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is sounding the alarm over the increasing number of U.S. children diagnosed with autism, calling the rise an “alarming” trend. On Wednesday, Kennedy pledged to spearhead comprehensive studies aimed at identifying any environmental factors that might contribute to the growing prevalence of the developmental disorder.

This statement comes just one day after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report revealing that approximately 1 in 31 children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with autism—up from 1 in 36 in 2020. The spike in autism diagnoses has raised questions about potential causes, leading Kennedy to emphasize the need for further investigation.

Kennedy described autism as a “preventable disease,” despite it not being classified as a disease but a complex disorder that affects brain development. “Autism destroys families,” Kennedy stated. “More importantly, it destroys our greatest resource, which is our children. These are children who should not be suffering like this.”

While Kennedy’s focus is on understanding the environmental factors that may contribute to autism, experts in the field suggest the rising numbers may also reflect changes in how the condition is diagnosed. Over time, the definition of autism has expanded to include cases that are milder, contributing to a higher number of diagnoses.

Autism, a developmental disorder, manifests in a wide range of symptoms, including delays in language, learning, and social skills. Some individuals may not show symptoms until adulthood. While no single cause has been identified, researchers believe genetics play a significant role. In addition, factors such as a child’s father’s age, maternal weight, and prenatal exposure to certain chemicals have been linked to autism risk.

Kennedy’s approach will investigate these and other potential environmental factors. Although he had initially set a September deadline to determine autism’s causes, he now believes that his department will provide at least partial answers by that time.

Kennedy’s plan includes issuing grants to universities and researchers, encouraging them to “follow the science, no matter what it says.” This initiative follows a history of cuts to science and health research funding under the Trump administration, which had previously slashed billions of dollars in grants to universities.

To conduct this research, the CDC gathered autism data from 14 states and Puerto Rico in 2022, focusing on 8-year-olds as most autism diagnoses occur by this age. The CDC’s most recent estimate of 1 in 31 children diagnosed with autism is considered the gold standard by many experts due to its rigorous methodology.

Despite Kennedy’s focus on environmental factors, other researchers argue that the increase in autism diagnoses can be attributed to improved awareness and medical advancements. Annette Estes, director of the autism center at the University of Washington, explained, “The reasons for increases in autism diagnosis come down to scientific and health care progress. It’s hard for many people to understand this because the causes of autism are complex.”

The Autism Science Foundation, in response to Kennedy’s comments, emphasized that factors like better access to services and reduced stigma surrounding autism spectrum disorders are key contributors to the rise in autism prevalence. Dr. Alycia Halladay, the foundation’s Chief Science Officer, noted, “This report is the most convincing evidence yet that changes in factors like access to services and de-stigmatization of autism spectrum disorders are leading to the increases in prevalence.”

As the debate over autism’s causes continues, Kennedy’s initiative promises to shed light on this complex issue, offering a deeper understanding of the environmental factors that may be contributing to the increasing number of diagnoses.

Source: AP News – Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says US autism cases are climbing at an ‘alarming rate’

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Understanding Late Autism Diagnosis

Many adults are now questioning whether they might be on the autism spectrum, often after their children receive a diagnosis or after recognizing traits in themselves through social media discussions. However, obtaining an autism diagnosis as an adult can be complex due to limited specialist availability and high costs.

Natasha Nelson, a 35-year-old entrepreneur from Stone Mountain, Georgia, discovered her autism only after her youngest daughter was diagnosed. Growing up, she never quite understood social norms, like why small talk was necessary or why people insisted on making their beds.

“If your life has always felt like chaos, and you don’t feel comfortable or thrive, what do you have to lose?” she says, encouraging adults to seek a diagnosis if they suspect they may be autistic.

What Is Autism and When Is It Typically Diagnosed?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with:
Social communication – Difficulty understanding nonverbal cues, maintaining eye contact, or engaging in typical social interactions.
Repetitive behaviors and routines – A strong preference for structure, repetition, and special interests.
Sensory sensitivities – Over- or under-reacting to sensory input like sounds, lights, or textures.

ASD is typically diagnosed in childhood, with the American Academy of Pediatrics recommending screenings as early as 18 months. However, many people reach adulthood without a diagnosis, often masking their symptoms or compensating in ways that make them appear neurotypical.

Why Are More Adults Being Diagnosed?

The number of adult autism diagnoses has increased significantly. A 2023 study published in JAMA Network Open reported a 452% increase in autism diagnoses among adults aged 26 to 34 between 2011 and 2022.

Several factors contribute to this rise:
Increased awareness – More adults are learning about autism through social media and mental health discussions.
Late-emerging signs – Some symptoms only become apparent when social demands increase in adulthood.
Masking – Many autistic individuals learn to hide behaviors to fit societal expectations.
Overlapping conditions – Autism can share symptoms with ADHD, OCD, and anxiety, making diagnosis complex.

Psychologist Whitney Ence from the University of California, San Francisco, explains that many adults have unconsciously adapted to their differences:
“They may have learned, ‘I can’t display that in public, so I do it in private.’”

Common Signs of Autism in Adults

Autism presents differently for each person, and many traits are common in neurotypical people as well. However, to meet the clinical criteria for ASD, these symptoms must significantly impact daily life.

Key signs include:
Struggles with social interactions – Difficulty making small talk, reading facial expressions, or understanding unspoken social rules.
Deep focus on special interests – Becoming intensely engaged in specific topics or hobbies.
Rigid routines – Feeling distressed if daily habits are disrupted.
Sensory sensitivities – Being overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures.

Russell Lehmann, a motivational speaker diagnosed with autism over 20 years ago, describes his rigid routines as both comforting and burdensome. While eating the same foods and grocery shopping in the same way brings him peace, missing a gym session triggers distress.

“No gym, no day,” he says. “My routine is an existential burden because every night, I know I have to follow it just to function.”

How to Seek an Autism Diagnosis as an Adult

Unlike other medical conditions, autism cannot be diagnosed through a brain scan or blood test. The process involves multiple steps:

Step 1: Self-Screening

Online autism screening tools can offer initial insights, but they are not definitive.

Step 2: Consulting a Primary Care Doctor

A general physician can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist specializing in adult autism.

Step 3: Psychiatric Evaluation

A psychiatrist may conduct interviews and assessments, possibly speaking with family or friends who knew you as a child.

Step 4: Psychological Testing

A clinical psychologist may administer standardized diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of ASD traits.

Challenges in Getting Diagnosed

Getting an adult autism diagnosis can be:
Expensive – Some evaluations cost over $3,000 out-of-pocket.
Time-consuming – Long waitlists due to a shortage of adult autism specialists.
Difficult to access – Many professionals focus on diagnosing children rather than adults.

Nelson’s journey to diagnosis took three years and significant financial investment. Psychiatrist Dr. Arthur Westover from UT Southwestern Medical Center advises people to be realistic:
“Just enjoying routines or feeling comfortable with structure doesn’t automatically mean you have autism—it’s deeper than that.”

Is a Diagnosis Necessary?

Before pursuing a formal diagnosis, consider your goals:
Do you need accommodations at work or school?
Are you seeking validation and self-understanding?
Do you require support services that require an official diagnosis?

Ence suggests reflecting on these questions to determine whether seeking a professional evaluation is the right choice.

Final Thoughts

For many adults, receiving an autism diagnosis can be life-changing, offering clarity and a sense of belonging. While the process can be challenging, understanding your neurodiversity can help you navigate the world in a way that better suits your unique needs.

If you suspect you may be on the autism spectrum, taking the first step toward a diagnosis could provide valuable insights into yourself and your experiences.

Source

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