Autism diagnoses have exploded in recent years. Now, an estimated 1 in 31 U.S. children have autism—up from 1 in 59 in 2014 —according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. A 2024 study, meanwhile, showed that the number of children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder has increased by 175% over a decade.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the agency will soon announce autism studies aimed at identifying “environmental toxins” that may be responsible for rising rates in children.