Audio long read: Autism is on the rise — what’s really behind the increase?

Autism on the Rise: Unraveling the Mystery Behind the Increase In a recent press conference, Robert F. Kennedy Jr sparked controversy by attributing rising autism diagnoses to environmental factors, hinting at an impending study to identify the responsible agent. However, experts argue that genetics play a significant role in the condition, and the surge in prevalence is largely due to increased diagnoses rather than a genuine rise in symptoms. According to Dr. Laura Schieve, a leading researcher on autism, "The data suggests that while there may be some environmental contributions, genetics are the primary driver of autism." She points out that studies have consistently shown that genetic mutations are more prevalent among individuals with autism, contradicting Kennedy's claims. The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) has allocated $50 million to fund research on the causes of autism. However, many experts feel that this development overlooks decades of work on the well-documented rise in diagnoses and the underlying causes of the condition. Dr. Schieve notes, "It's disheartening to see funding being directed towards studies that may not address the most pressing questions." The increase in autism diagnoses has been a topic of concern for families, educators, and healthcare professionals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of autism among 8-year-olds has risen from 1 in 150 in 2000 to 1 in 54 in 2020. Researchers attribute this surge to improved diagnostic tools and increased awareness among parents and medical professionals. Dr. Schieve explains, "We're better at identifying autism now than we were a decade ago. This is not necessarily a reflection of an increase in the underlying condition but rather our ability to detect it." The controversy surrounding Kennedy's claims has sparked debate within the scientific community. Some experts argue that environmental factors, such as exposure to pesticides or air pollution, may contribute to the development of autism. However, others contend that these factors are not the primary cause. As research continues to unravel the complexities of autism, families and individuals affected by the condition remain at the forefront of advocacy efforts. Dr. Schieve emphasizes, "We need to focus on providing support and services for those living with autism rather than getting bogged down in debates over causation." The NIH's funding allocation is expected to fuel further research into the causes of autism. However, experts caution that more attention should be directed towards addressing the pressing needs of individuals and families affected by the condition. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) US National Institutes of Health (NIH) Dr. Laura Schieve, leading researcher on autism Note: This article is based on a podcast episode from Nature, a leading scientific publication. *Reporting by Nature.*