Profound Autism: Understanding the Surge and Finding Solutions

Mike Carr highlights new CDC data showing autism rates rising from 1 in 36 eight-year-olds in 2020 to 1 in 31 by 2022. Reflecting on raising his profoundly autistic son diagnosed in 1990—when rates were about 1 in 10,000—Carr argues the increase isn't just better diagnosis but a real, troubling trend. He suggests RFK Jr.'s claim that autism is a more urgent crisis than COVID deserves attention, given the heavy financial and caregiving burdens. Carr stresses the need for clearer communication ...