The CDC has released alarming new data showing autism rates have soared to 1 in 31 U.S. children, a 16.1% increase since 2020, as officials debate whether improved diagnostics or an actual epidemic is driving the surge.
Key Takeaways
- Autism diagnosis rates among 8-year-olds jumped from 1 in 36 children in 2020 to 1 in 31 in 2022, according to new CDC data
- The current prevalence is nearly 5 times higher than when monitoring began 22 years ago
- Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has labeled the situation an “epidemic”
- Boys are nearly 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls
- Autism rates vary significantly by region and demographic groups, with higher prevalence among Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, and Hispanic children
A Dramatic Rise in Autism Diagnoses
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a concerning trend in autism diagnoses among American children. The latest report shows the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has increased to 1 in 31 children in 2022, up from 1 in 36 just two years earlier. This 16.1% increase continues a pattern of rising autism rates that has been observed for decades. According to historical data, autism affected only about 1 in 10,000 children in the early 1990s. The dramatic increase has raised questions about whether better awareness and diagnostic practices are capturing previously unidentified cases or if environmental factors are contributing to a genuine increase in autism.
The CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network conducted surveillance across 11 U.S. sites to gather this data. The network’s findings show significant regional variations, with autism rates in areas like suburban Philadelphia and San Diego, California considerably higher than in other regions. In California, the prevalence was 46.4 per 1,000 children (approximately 1 in 22), while Utah reported the lowest rate at 12.7 per 1,000 (about 1 in 79). These substantial geographic disparities suggest inconsistencies in diagnostic practices, access to developmental services, or potentially differing environmental exposures across regions.
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 Patterns and Early Identification
The CDC data reveals notable demographic patterns in autism diagnoses. Boys continue to be diagnosed at nearly four times the rate of girls, a consistent finding across multiple studies. The latest report also indicates higher prevalence among Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, and Hispanic children compared to white children. These disparities raise important questions about genetic factors, potential environmental influences, and access to developmental screening services. Additionally, the report found that 48.5% of children with ASD at age 4 had an IQ score of 70 or below, indicating intellectual disability often accompanies autism diagnosis.
The CDC’s 2023 Community Report on Autism highlighted improvements in early identification of autism. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this progress, creating barriers to screening and evaluation services, particularly for 4-year-olds. Early identification is critical because intervention during the first few years of life can significantly improve developmental outcomes. The pandemic-related disruptions have raised concerns about delayed diagnoses and potentially missed opportunities for early intervention for children born during or immediately before the pandemic.
Controversy Over Causes and Policy Implications
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has characterized the rising autism rates as an “epidemic,” a position that has generated significant controversy. Kennedy, who has long suggested potential links between vaccines and autism, stated that “the autism epidemic is running rampant” and called the situation “a thousand times more threatening to our country than COVID-19.” His appointment to lead HHS under President Trump has sparked debate about future autism research priorities and public health policies. Kennedy has indicated plans to direct the National Institutes of Health to focus efforts on identifying causes of autism.
The autism community has responded with mixed reactions to Kennedy’s characterization. Christopher Banks, president and CEO of the Autism Society of America, cautioned against framing autism as “preventable,” stating that such claims “place unnecessary blame on people, parents, and families.” The CDC continues to maintain that extensive scientific research has shown no association between vaccines and autism.
Future Research and Policy Directions
The dramatic increase in autism prevalence has significant implications for public health policy, educational systems, and healthcare services. With approximately 1 in 31 children now diagnosed with autism, there is growing pressure to expand diagnostic services, therapeutic interventions, and support programs for individuals across the autism spectrum. The ADDM Network continues to provide valuable data for monitoring trends and supporting identification of ASD, but questions about causation remain at the forefront of research priorities.
A global research effort is underway to determine the causes of rising autism rates, with investigations examining genetic factors, environmental exposures, and potential interactions between them. Vaccine safety advocates have called for more extensive safety studies, emphasizing the need for transparency in research findings. As the prevalence of autism continues to rise, policymakers face the challenge of developing comprehensive approaches that address the diverse needs of individuals with autism while continuing to investigate potential causes and preventive measures.
