Alyrming Rise in Autism Rates in the U.S. in 2022: Is Improved Diagnosis the Only Reason?
A newly published report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed a continued rise in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses among children in the United States. According to the 2022 data, 1 in every 31 eight-year-old children has been identified with autism — a noticeable increase from 1 in 36 in 2020, and a significant jump from 1 in 150 two decades ago.
Experts suggest that this uptick may not reflect a real surge in cases, but rather be the result of enhanced diagnostic tools, increased awareness, and better access to evaluation services, enabling more accurate detection.
U.S. Health Secretary Sounds Alarm: “Autism Epidemic Out of Control”
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his controversial stance on vaccines, described the current autism statistics as indicative of an “out-of-control epidemic.” He claimed that “the risks and costs of this crisis” far outweigh those of COVID-19 and promised to identify the root causes of autism by September, a pledge that left many scientists baffled.
Medical experts have criticized Kennedy’s persistent promotion of debunked theories, including the long-discredited claim linking the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) to autism — a theory originally based on a fraudulent study and disproven by extensive follow-up research.
Disparities by Region, Race, and Gender
The CDC’s findings also shed light on disparities in autism prevalence based on race, gender, and geography. The report notes that boys, and children from Black, Asian, or Hispanic backgrounds, are more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than white children or girls.
Researchers suggest these differences are not due to genetic or biological causes, but rather reflect inequities in access to diagnostic services and early screening programs across communities.
In particular, regional variations in pediatrician training and availability of diagnostic resources continue to impact how and when children are evaluated for autism, leading to inconsistent identification rates across states.
Scientific Uncertainty Still Clouds Autism’s Origins
Despite decades of study, there remains no singular known cause for autism. However, several environmental and genetic factors are under investigation, including:
- Prenatal exposure to certain medications (e.g., anti-seizure drug Depakine)
- Neuroinflammatory conditions
- Inherited genetic predispositions
The CDC continues to emphasize that autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, and that attributing it to one cause — especially without robust scientific evidence — undermines public understanding and trust in healthcare systems.
The rising autism rates in 2022 reflect a growing need for equitable access to early screening, professional diagnostics, and ongoing support services, while also underlining the importance of combating medical misinformation. As political figures weigh in, scientists stress the value of evidence-based research in unraveling the complexities of autism spectrum disorder.