Autism: The Real Reason It's Going Up - Science Vs Recap

Podcast: Science Vs

Published: 2025-06-19

Duration: 44 min

Guests: Meryl Horn, Brian Lee, Maureen Durkin, Catherine Lord

Summary

The episode investigates the increasing rates of autism diagnoses, exploring potential causes such as environmental factors, genetics, and changes in diagnostic criteria.

What Happened

Wendy Zuckerman delves into the rising rates of autism diagnoses, which have increased dramatically over the past few decades. Recent CDC figures show a 15% jump in diagnoses over two years, with one in every 31 children now identified as having autism. Concerns and theories abound regarding the causes, with some attributing it to environmental toxins, screens, and genetic factors.

Senior producer Meryl Hoard explains that autism manifests in various ways, including communication challenges and intense interests, and explores the genetic component. Professor Brian Lee from Drexel University highlights that genetics account for 70-90% of the likelihood of having autism. Older parental age, which can introduce genetic changes, might contribute slightly to the rise in diagnoses.

Environmental factors, such as air pollution and exposure to certain chemicals, have also been studied as potential triggers for autism, yet these factors fail to fully explain the dramatic increase in cases. Despite accusations from figures like RFK Jr. about environmental toxins, evidence does not support vaccines or heavy metals as significant contributors.

Screen time has been considered as a possible factor, with studies showing a correlation between early and extensive screen exposure and autism traits. However, it is suggested that the rise in autism diagnoses is primarily due to expanded diagnostic criteria rather than a true epidemic.

Maureen Durkin's research indicates that the increase in autism cases is largely among those with milder forms of autism, while severe cases have not increased. This suggests that changes in diagnostic practices are capturing a broader spectrum of autism traits.

The episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of recognizing and supporting autistic individuals, as seen in the experiences of Dina Gassner, who was diagnosed with autism later in life and found community and understanding through accurate diagnosis.

Key Insights