Mary Kekatos

1 week ago | abcnews.go.com | Mary Kekatos |

Studies have suggested that autism risk is heavily rooted in genetics. ByMary Kekatos and Dr. Jade CobernSecretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a news conference at the Department of Health and Human Services, April 16, 2025, in Washington, D.C.Alex Wong/Getty ImagesHealth and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made headlines last week when he announced that the agency would "know what has caused the autism epidemic" by September of this year.

1 week ago | abcnews.go.com | Cheyenne Haslett |Mary Kekatos

Kennedy has prioritized autism in his aim to “Make America Healthy Again."ByCheyenne Haslett and Mary KekatosSecretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a news conference at the Department of Health and Human Services, April 16, 2025, in Washington, D.C.Alex Wong/Getty ImagesOn the heels of a new report showing that rates of autism diagnoses have again increased, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F.

1 week ago | abc7.com | Mary Kekatos |Sony Salzman

Autism diagnoses are continuing to increase in the United States, according to a new report published Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An estimated one in 31 8-year-olds was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 2022, according to the report. To compare, one in 36 was diagnosed with ASD in 2020, the report found. This is also a rise from the one in 150 children diagnosed with autism in 2000, CDC data shows.

1 week ago | abcnews.go.com | Mary Kekatos |Sony Salzman

This is an increase from one in 36 children diagnosed in 2020. ByMary Kekatos and Sony SalzmanStock photo of a child playing with blocks. STOCK PHOTO/D3sign/Getty ImagesAutism diagnoses are continuing to increase in the United States, according to a new report published Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An estimated one in 31 8-year-olds was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 2022, according to the report.

1 week ago | abcnews.go.com | Mary Kekatos

Children and teenagers make up the majority of cases. A sign is seen outside a clinic with the South Plains Public Health District, on Feb. 23, 2025, in Brownfield, Texas. Julio Cortez/AP, FILEThe measles outbreak in western Texas continues to grow, with 561 confirmed cases, according to new data published Tuesday. This is an increase of 20 new cases over the last five days.