Kennedy has said his agency will explore possible causes of autism and plans to release findings by September. The CDC estimates that 1 in 31 8-year-olds nationwide had autism in 2022. Scientists say the rise may owe to several factors, including better diagnosis, older parents and genetics, The Wall Street Journal said.

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s stark comments about children with autism have splintered a community of millions of people who are living with the disorder.