Rising Autism Rates Are Not an 'Epidemic'
Briefly

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., at a press conference, alarmed the public by announcing that one in 31 eight-year-olds in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism. He described autism as a tragic condition that devastates families. However, his remarks included outdated assertions, such as the timing of autism regression. Current research suggests early brain differences can be detected as early as six months. Kennedy's claim that autism is an epidemic driven by environmental factors contradicts studies emphasizing genetic contributions, which account for 60-90% of cases. Experts agree that increased diagnosis rates stem from broader screening.
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. stated that autism is a tragedy destroying families, asserting outdated ideas about its causes and emphasizing the need to address an alleged epidemic.
Research indicates that while autism is often diagnosed around age two, brain differences can be detected as early as six months, challenging Kennedy's claims.
Kennedy's insistence on autism being caused by environmental factors contradicts the scientific consensus, which highlights the role of genetics in the condition.
Experts assert that rising autism rates result from better diagnostics and not a nationwide epidemic caused by environmental changes.
Read at www.scientificamerican.com
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