Policy, funding, community, and developments from the wider world — reported plainly, with the journalism it's drawn from cited in full.
Recent discussions have revisited claims about autism's links to vaccines and Tylenol, despite current evidence not supporting these connections. Researchers and health organizations continue to advocate for accurate information and caution against misinformation.
The CDC's latest report reveals that autism prevalence among 8-year-olds in the U.S. has increased to 1 in 31, up from 1 in 36 in 2020. Notably, the data shows higher rates among Asian, Black, and Hispanic children compared to White children for the first time in this dataset, while boys continue to be diagnosed more frequently than girls.
Recent incidents and studies reveal systemic gaps in autism inclusion support in schools, highlighting the need for tailored interventions, adequate staffing, and the inclusion of autistic educators' expertise.
A wave of Medicaid fraud investigations targeting autism therapy services coincides with increased federal funding for autism programs, revealing tensions between fraud prevention efforts and research priorities.
Recent discussions around autism research, including updates to CDC communications and the creation of an independent scientific committee, underscore the challenges in maintaining evidence-based public health guidance. This article examines the current landscape and the scientific community's efforts to address misinformation.
The CDC's latest report reveals autism prevalence among 8-year-olds has increased to 1 in 31 (3.2%) in 2022, up from 1 in 36 in 2020. The rise reflects improved screening in minority populations and evolving diagnostic practices, not a true epidemic.
Recent research and incidents highlight systemic shortcomings in inclusive education for autistic students, with issues ranging from school avoidance to safety failures. This article examines the evidence, defines key terms, and provides actionable resources for families.
States are intensifying oversight of Medicaid-funded autism services amid reports of widespread fraud, even as federal autism funding reaches record levels through the reauthorized Autism CARES Act. This article examines the balance between fraud prevention and access to evidence-based treatments like applied behavior analysis (ABA).
Leading autism researchers have formed an Independent Autism Coordinating Committee to counter political interference and misinformation, including debunked claims about vaccines and Tylenol causing autism. This comes as the CDC alters its website to cast doubt on vaccine safety, contradicting decades of evidence.
The CDC's latest report reveals that autism prevalence among 8-year-olds in the U.S. has risen to 1 in 31 (3.2%), up from 1 in 36 (2.8%) in 2020. The findings highlight significant demographic and geographic variations, as well as persistent disparities in early diagnosis.
Recent reports highlight how autism inclusion efforts in schools are failing to address critical issues like school avoidance, safety protocols, and the undervaluing of autistic educators' expertise, despite evidence that properly resourced inclusion benefits all students.
The autism policy landscape is evolving with sustained federal funding through the Autism CARES Act reauthorization and increased state-level scrutiny of Medicaid fraud in autism services. Key developments include $2 billion in federal funding, new oversight committees, and bipartisan legislative efforts to balance service expansion with accountability.
