Autism rates climb to 1 in 31 in kids; Experts debate causes and solutions
At a press conference on Wednesday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cited research he says documents up to a 400% increase in autism cases over the last several decades.
As more children and families are impacted and the cost of care is rising, he wants more resources devoted to autism studies.
While those who care for children on the autism spectrum welcome the additional focus, they want to make sure the lens is pointed in the right direction.
More Coverage: WGN's Medical Watch
Kennedy says the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence rate in eight-year-olds is now 1 in 31. The threat is even greater in boys.
'Overall, autism is increasing at an alarming rate,' Kennedy said. 'The risk for boys of getting an autism diagnosis in this country is now one in 20.'
There is more awareness about autism and diagnosis criteria has changed, but according to Kennedy, better recognition does not account for rising rates.
'It was not expected that autism prevalence would increase. Other childhood disabilities and neurologic disorders do not increase or change over time,' Walter Zahorodny, clinical psychologist and autism researcher, said.
Kennedy ordered more research but locally, Dr. John Walkup, the head of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, says based on years of research, the autism picture is more complicated.
'There's been a lot of study looking at this, and there are a lot of autism experts who have maybe opinions that disagree with the secretary,' Dr. Walkup said. 'It's not a simple genetic problem, but I think it's hard for people who are in the business to kind of say that genetics doesn't play a role.'
Whatever the root cause, as an expert who cares for children on the spectrum, Dr. Walkup believes the diagnosis is critical to get those in need early interventions that can make a difference in their lives.
'The other aspect is the availability of services. There are more now than ever before, but we are still nowhere near having a system that's in place that actually can provide services for these kids,' Dr. Walkup said.
Having autism in the spotlight may help.
Secretary Kennedy wants autism studied under the Administration for a Healthy America's new chronic disease division.
Are the cases due to toxins, rising maternal and paternal age? He hopes to have results on more definitive autism causes by September.
Experts we spoke with say that may be optimistic.
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