US Launches Major Study to Investigate Autism Rise:

US officials have initiated an extensive scientific study to explore the increasing prevalence of autism, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Thursday.

Speaking during a televised cabinet meeting led by President Donald Trump, Kennedy detailed the scope of the research effort.

“We’re launching a comprehensive testing and research project involving hundreds of scientists from around the world,” Kennedy said.

He added that the goal is to identify the primary causes of the growing autism trend, with results expected by September.

“By then, we aim to pinpoint the sources behind the rise in autism and reduce those exposures,” he said.

Concerns Over Rising Autism Prevalence

Kennedy, who has publicly questioned the safety of childhood vaccinations, claimed that autism rates have increased significantly in recent decades.

“When I was young, autism affected around one in 10,000. Today, it’s closer to one in 31,” Kennedy stated, though he did not cite specific data sources.

According to the latest figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in 36 children in the US is currently diagnosed with autism. This marks a substantial increase from past estimates of one in 150.

President Trump commented on the figures, describing them as troubling:

“That’s a disturbing statistic. Clearly, something external is contributing to this,” he said.

Understanding Autism and Its Causes

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect communication, learning, and social interaction. Researchers continue to study both genetic and environmental factors that may contribute to its development.

A 2022 global review on autism prevalence pointed to several contributing elements, such as increased awareness, improved diagnostic methods, and broader definitions of autism spectrum disorders.

Additionally, studies have found links between parental age and the likelihood of autism in children.