The rate of autism in children in the US is at an all-time high, according to the CDC - Photo: AI
By 2022, one in 31 8-year-olds in the United States will be diagnosed with autism, a rate of 32.2 per 1,000 children. That’s up from one in 36 in 2020 and one in 150 in 2000, according to a new report published April 15 in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report .
Many experts see this as a step forward in reaching and supporting people with autism. “This increase clearly reflects progress in early detection and effective intervention,” said Dr. Dennis Kuo, a pediatrician at the University of Rochester (New York).
“It is not just about diagnosis, but about recognising the needs and providing appropriate support for the child,” he stressed.
The report also found wide variation between states, ranging from 9.7/1,000 in Texas to 53.1/1,000 in California, largely due to varying levels of screening and service connectivity.
However, some politicians such as US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have called the increase “an epidemic that is destroying families.” This statement has been criticized by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network as “dehumanizing, scaring, and depriving people with autism of their basic rights.”
“We are talking about people, not a disease to be eradicated,” the organization asserted in an official statement.
According to scientists , autism is a diverse spectrum with many levels of expression, from language and behavioral difficulties to mild differences in sensation or thinking.
“There is no single model for autism,” says psychologist Zachary Warren of Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “It is a term used to describe children with special abilities mixed with vulnerabilities.”
Many scientists believe that instead of finding ways to “prevent” autism, we should focus on helping autistic people have a quality life.
“Preventing serious, life-disrupting symptoms is important,” says Rebecca Landa, PhD, of the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore. “But what’s more important is helping people live full, meaningful lives.”
US National Institutes of Health postpones announcement of cause of autism
The director of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), Mr. Jay Bhattacharya, recently said that it is not possible to announce the cause of autism by September 2025 as previously committed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Speaking to reporters on April 22 in Washington, Mr. Bhattacharya explained that the September timeline is actually to launch a new research initiative, not a deadline to publish specific scientific findings related to autism.
He also said it was difficult to give a specific deadline for publishing new research results. However, to speed up the process, he affirmed that NIH is working to cut down on administrative procedures related to research submission.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the specific cause of autism has not been determined, but it is likely the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Specifically, studies show that about 80% of autism cases are related to genetics, including new mutations (de novo) or recessive genes from parents.
Environmental factors during pregnancy such as viral infections, anti-seizure medication (valproic acid), obesity, and air pollution may also be triggers in those already at high genetic risk.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ti-le-tre-tu-ky-tang-manh-bo-truong-y-te-my-phat-ngon-gay-tranh-cai-20250424140338575.htm
Comment (0)