New CDC data reveals autism prevalence has surged to 1 in 31 children, sparking concerns about what’s driving this alarming 16.1% increase in just two years and bringing renewed attention to controversial theories about potential causes.
Quick Takes
- CDC reports autism rates have increased from 1 in 36 children in 2020 to 1 in 31 in 2022, representing a 16.1% jump
- HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called the increase an “epidemic” and pledged to direct research into identifying causes
- Autism rates are higher among Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, and Hispanic children compared to white children, and nearly 4 times more common in boys than girls
- The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted early autism identification efforts, potentially impacting diagnosis patterns
- Current prevalence rates are nearly 5 times higher than they were when monitoring began 22 years ago
Growing Concern: Latest CDC Data Shows Accelerating Autism Rates
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new data showing that autism now affects 1 in 31 American children, marking a significant increase from the 1 in 36 rate reported just two years ago. This 16.1% rise continues a troubling upward trend that has been documented for decades. The latest figures come from the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, which conducts regular surveillance across multiple U.S. sites. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and behavior that typically appear in early childhood.
The prevalence rates show significant geographical variation, with certain regions reporting much higher incidence than others. For example, areas like suburban Philadelphia and San Diego, California have some of the highest documented rates. Among 4-year-olds, prevalence ranged from 12.7 per 1,000 children in Utah to 46.4 per 1,000 in California. These regional differences raise questions about whether environmental factors or differences in diagnostic practices might be contributing to the varying rates across the country.
BREAKING — Autism Prevalence in U.S. Kids Jumps 16.1% in Just Two Years
New CDC data reveals 1 in 31 (3.22%) of American 8-year-olds were autistic in 2022 — a staggering 384% increase since 2000. @NicHulscher @McCulloughFund @CDCgov https://t.co/RRYzLOfeCQ pic.twitter.com/9JAcrywASz
— Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH® (@P_McCulloughMD) April 15, 2025
Demographic Differences and Early Identification Challenges
The CDC data also reveals notable differences in autism prevalence across demographic groups. According to the report, ASD occurs across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups but is nearly four times more common in boys than girls. More recent findings indicate higher rates among Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, and Hispanic children compared to white children. These disparities highlight the need for responsive diagnostic practices and support services that can effectively address the needs of diverse communities affected by autism.
The COVID-19 pandemic has complicated efforts for early identification of autism. The CDC’s 2023 Community Report indicates disruptions in evaluation services during the pandemic, reversing previous trends of increased early identification. Early diagnosis remains critical, as timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with autism and provide families with much-needed support resources.
Kennedy’s Appointment Brings New Focus to Autism Research
The appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services Secretary has brought renewed attention to the issue of rising autism rates. Kennedy has described the increase in autism diagnoses as an “epidemic” and has pledged to redirect research efforts at the National Institutes of Health toward identifying potential causes. His strong stance on the issue has drawn both support and criticism from various stakeholders in the autism community and medical establishment.
“The autism epidemic has now reached a scale unprecedented in human history because it affects the young. The risks and costs of this crisis are a thousand times more threatening to our country than COVID-19. Autism is preventable and it is unforgivable that we have not yet identified the underlying causes. We should have had these answers 20 years ago,” said Kennedy.
Kennedy’s position has been praised by President Donald Trump, who has indicated support for investigating potential environmental factors that might contribute to autism rates. Historical data shows a dramatic increase in autism diagnoses from approximately 1 in 10,000 in the early 1990s to the current rate of 1 in 31. This represents nearly a 5-fold increase since the ADDM Network began tracking prevalence 22 years ago, raising urgent questions about what factors might be driving this substantial rise.
Debating Causes and Advancing Support Systems
The discussion around causes of autism remains contentious within medical and advocacy communities. While Kennedy has suggested environmental factors may play a role, the CDC maintains that extensive research has shown no association between vaccines and autism. This scientific consensus contrasts with some vaccine safety advocates who continue to call for more extensive safety studies. Beyond the debate over causes, experts emphasize the importance of developing better support systems for individuals with autism and their families.
The ADDM Network continues to provide valuable data for monitoring trends and supporting early identification of ASD. Nearly half (48.5%) of children with ASD had an IQ score of 70 or below, indicating concurrent intellectual disability that requires additional support services. As autism prevalence continues to rise, a comprehensive approach involving healthcare providers, educators, policymakers, and families will be essential to address the diverse needs of individuals on the autism spectrum and ensure adequate resources are available to support them.
