We learned this week that U.S. autism rates have surged, Save Jerseyans: 1 in 31 American children are on the spectrum according to a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. held a press conference this week and, as part of an ongoing Trump Administration campaign to get to the bottom of the epidemic, announced that he believes an “environmental toxin” is largely to blame, noting that rates inexplicably began their dramatic rise in 1989 without any other obvious explanation
“This is coming from an environmental toxin, and somebody made a profit by putting that environmental toxin into our air, our water, our medicines, our food,” Kennedy told reporters. “And it’s to their benefit to say ‘Oh, to normalize it, to say all this is all normal, it’s always been here.’ That’s not good for our country.”
Kennedy also took aim at the popular refrain that the increase in autism rates is mostly attributable to better surveillance, dismissing this theory as evidence of an “epidemic” of denial.
While the causation debate will likely continue, it’s undeniable that the numbers are alarming and action is necessary. Thus far, Kennedy’s efforts have been supported by the Trump coalition.
“The CDC’s latest data shows an alarming surge in autism prevalence—1 in 31 children in the United States, including 1 in every 20 boys, are now diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD),” said Congressman Chris Smith (R, NJ-04), founder of the Congressional Autism Caucus. “In my home state of New Jersey—one of the first states to monitor autism prevalence—the rate has increased by more than 300 percent over the last two decades. These are not just numbers—they represent real children and families who urgently need our help.”
New Jersey had the third highest autism rate in the U.S. as of 2024.
“We have worked hard and successfully to improve surveillance, early intervention treatments and supports for families facing autism,” added Smith. “I am eager to join Secretary Kennedy as he elevates the efforts to ‘get to the root’ of the epidemic.”
Kennedy’s full remarks can be watched here.
The Secretary previously promised at least the beginnings of an answer as to what he believes is engendering the autism crisis in September.
“We must close the gaps in access to services—especially for underserved communities—and ensure that every child receives timely diagnosis, evidence-based care, and lifelong support,” Smith continued. “This is not a partisan issue—it’s a human one. Together, we must act decisively to meet the needs of the autism community—including the families who are often their caregivers—and provide every child with the opportunity to thrive.”
