Donald Trump has expressed concern over the rapid rise in autism rates in the United States, a trend that has baffled medical professionals for years.

In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday night, Trump remarked, “20 years ago, autism in children was 1 in 1,000. NOW IT’S 1 in 34. WOW! Something’s really wrong. We need BOBBY!!!” The post referenced Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is on the verge of being appointed as the head of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

While Trump’s numbers were slightly off — the CDC reported autism rates in the early 2000s at approximately 7 in 1,000 — the most recent data from 2022 suggests that 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism, rather than the 1 in 34 figure Trump mentioned. It’s unclear if Trump had access to the latest statistics when making his statement.

Despite the discrepancies, many experts agree that the rising autism rates cannot be solely attributed to improvements in diagnosis and greater awareness. Dr. Cooper Stone, a psychiatrist from Philadelphia, previously told DailyMail.com, “There is a strong belief that environmental factors may play a role in the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While no direct environmental causes have been definitively linked to ASD, several associated risk factors seem to have a connection.”

Trump’s post also drew attention due to RFK Jr.’s controversial stance on vaccines, as he has previously supported debunked claims linking vaccines to autism.

However, a growing body of research suggests that certain environmental factors, like pollution and chemical exposure, may contribute to the increase in autism diagnoses. Some studies have shown that pollution and toxic substances in food and water could affect pregnant women and lead to brain inflammation in developing fetuses, potentially impairing nerve functions and increasing the risk of autism.

The surge in pesticide use is another factor experts suggest may be contributing to the rise in autism, as it has been linked to cognitive delays and lower IQs in children. Moreover, advancements in neonatal care mean that more premature babies are surviving, and these babies are more susceptible to developmental delays, including autism.

In addition to environmental influences, the growing prevalence of autism may be linked to the fact that more women are giving birth later in life, a trend associated with higher rates of developmental disorders. Obesity and other parental factors may also play a role.

Interestingly, autism’s rising prevalence may not be confined to the U.S. In the UK, a record 200,000 people were reportedly waiting for an autism screening in 2024, a significant increase from just five years ago, according to the National Health Service.

In the U.S., the CDC reports that 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism, amounting to nearly 2 million children. Most children with autism are diagnosed by age five, although some can be diagnosed as early as age two.

Research from 2011 to 2022 shows a significant rise in autism diagnoses among children aged 5 to 8, increasing by 175%. However, the largest rise was among adults aged 26 to 34, with diagnoses increasing by 450%, indicating many people were diagnosed later in life.

While diagnostic improvements likely account for part of the increase, experts are also considering other factors, including the 2013 update to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This revision combined autism, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder into a single category of autism spectrum disorder, potentially leading to more diagnoses, especially among those with milder symptoms.

Environmental factors, such as pollution, have also been highlighted as possible contributors to the increase. A 2023 study found that children with a genetic predisposition to autism, whose parents had the condition, were more likely to develop autism if they were exposed to pollution during childhood. Other studies, including research from Harvard, found that exposure to air pollution in early childhood may increase the risk of autism by up to 64%, with even higher risks for children exposed to pollution in the womb.

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as Bisphenol A (BPA), found in plastics, has also been linked to higher autism rates, particularly in boys. These chemicals are common in everyday products, contributing to growing concerns about environmental toxins.

In the U.S., synthetic pesticide use has surged, with studies showing that up to 80% of Americans have detectable levels of pesticides in their blood. Pesticide exposure during pregnancy and early childhood has been linked to a higher risk of autism. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently suspended the use of a pesticide linked to low birth weight and developmental delays.

Premature births are another factor influencing the rise in autism diagnoses. Premature babies are more vulnerable to developmental delays, and the survival rate for preterm babies has increased in recent years. According to the CDC, about 1 in 10 U.S. babies is born preterm, and these infants are at greater risk of autism and other developmental challenges.

While no single cause has been identified for the rise in autism, experts believe that continued research into environmental factors, diagnostic improvements, and genetic influences will help provide a clearer understanding and ultimately lead to better prevention and treatment strategies.

Dr. Courtney Scott, Medical Director at Momentous Recovery Group, concluded, “Although the exact causes of ASD remain unknown, the research findings are helping to unravel the complexities of the condition, which will, in the long run, assist in better prevention and treatment efforts.”