Autism Rate Continues to Rise Among Children, C.D.C. Reports
Autism Rate Continues to Rise Among Children, C.D.C. Reports
While the agency stressed that increased screening was most likely behind much of the increase, the health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., called it an “epidemic.”
Read the full article on NY Times Science
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article appears mostly accurate, reflecting the CDC's reported increase in autism rates. The claim about increased screening being a likely factor is supported. However, the inclusion of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s "epidemic" comment introduces a potential bias, as it's a loaded term often used in debates about autism causes.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: Autism Rate Continues to Rise Among Children, C.D.C. Reports.
- Verification Source #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5: All support the claim that autism rates are rising.
- Claim: Increased screening was most likely behind much of the increase.
- Verification Source #5: Supports the idea that increased identification efforts contribute to rising prevalence.
- Claim: The health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., called it an “epidemic.”
- Verification Source #2: Mentions RFK Jr. in relation to autism rates. The use of the word "epidemic" is a direct quote and therefore factually accurate in its attribution. However, it's a potentially loaded term.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Verification Source #2 and #4: Both confirm the rising autism rates reported by the CDC, with Verification Source #4 stating "Autism diagnoses are continuing to increase in the U.S., now affecting one in 31 children, according to a new CDC report published Tuesday."
- Verification Source #3: States "One in 36 (2.8%) 8-year-old children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to an analysis published today in CDC's Morbidity and..." This indicates a slightly different rate than "one in 31" mentioned in other sources, suggesting the rate may have changed between publications.
- Verification Source #5: "The continued increase among children identified with ASD, particularly among ..." supports the claim that rates are rising.
- The use of the term "epidemic" by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a point of potential bias. While the quote is accurate, its inclusion can be seen as lending credence to a particular viewpoint on the causes of autism, which is a contentious topic.