We learned this week that U.S. autism rates have surged, Save Jerseyans: 1 in 31 American children are now on the spectrum, according to a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report. This alarming statistic has raised significant concern among experts and advocates alike, as the rate of autism diagnoses has reached an unprecedented level.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. held a press conference this week to address the issue. As part of an ongoing campaign by the Trump Administration to better understand and combat this growing epidemic, Kennedy announced his belief that an “environmental toxin” is largely to blame for the dramatic rise in autism rates. He pointed out that autism rates began to surge sharply in 1989, a timeline that offers few other explanations.
“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.” His remarks were pointed and passionate, underscoring the urgency with which he believes this issue must be addressed.
Kennedy also took aim at the popular theory that the increase in autism rates is primarily due to better surveillance and more awareness. He dismissed this theory as nothing more than an “epidemic” of denial, pointing to the marked uptick in cases that cannot be explained solely by improvements in detection and reporting.
While the debate about causation is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, there is no denying that the numbers are concerning, and action is desperately needed. The rate of increase in autism diagnoses has become too significant to ignore, and experts are calling for immediate and decisive measures. So far, Kennedy’s efforts have been met with support from the Trump coalition, which has recognized the pressing need for a coordinated response to this crisis.
“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% 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 United States as of 2024, a troubling distinction that further highlights the scale of the issue. As the state with one of the most significant upticks in cases, New Jersey is now a focal point for efforts to better understand and address the rising autism rates.
“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.” Smith’s commitment to pushing for better support and intervention systems is clear, and he is a vocal advocate for a more comprehensive response to the crisis.
Kennedy’s full remarks, which dive deeper into the specifics of his theory and the steps he believes must be taken, can be watched here. His comments underscore the need for a deeper understanding of what is causing this surge in autism diagnoses and how society can mitigate its effects.
In previous statements, Kennedy had promised to deliver at least a preliminary answer as to what he believes is contributing to the autism crisis. In September, he vowed to initiate a thorough investigation into the factors that could be fueling the epidemic, particularly focusing on environmental and industrial influences that may be impacting children’s health in unseen ways.
“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.”
The call for unified action is stronger than ever. Across political lines, the urgency to find solutions and take meaningful steps toward supporting families impacted by autism is gaining momentum. The autism community, including parents and caregivers, are demanding action and resources, and it is clear that this issue will require a comprehensive, coordinated approach to address effectively.
With autism diagnoses on the rise, it is crucial that lawmakers, health experts, and advocacy groups work together to identify the root causes of the surge, as well as to ensure that those affected by the condition receive the necessary support and resources. As Secretary Kennedy and Congressman Smith both emphasized, this is not just an issue of statistics—it’s about real children, real families, and the future well-being of an entire generation. The time to act is now.
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