WASHINGTON — For many experts, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s promise for "pulling back the curtain" to find autism's causes in a few months is jarring — and unrealistic.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., left, following a tour of the Texas A&M AgriLife Phenotyping Greenhouse in College Station, Texas on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.(Meredith Seaver /College Station Eagle via AP)
That's because it appears to ignore decades of science linking about 200 genes that play a role — and the quest to understand differences inside the brain that can be present at birth.
"Virtually all the evidence in the field suggests whatever the causes of autism — and there's going to be multiple causes, it's not going to be a single cause — they all affect how the fetal brain develops," said longtime autism researcher David Amaral of the UC Davis MIND Institute.
"Even though we may not see the behaviors associated with autism until a child is 2 or 3 years old, the biological changes have already taken place," he said.
Kennedy announced last week that the National Institutes of Health would create a new database "to uncover the root causes of autism and other chronic diseases" by merging Medicaid and Medicare insurance claims with electronic medical records and other data.
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He cited rising autism rates as evidence of an epidemic of a "preventable disease" caused by some sort of environmental exposure and promised "some of the answers by September."
What is autism?
Autism isn't considered a disease. It's a complex brain disorder better known as autism spectrum disorder, to reflect that it affects different people in different ways.
Symptoms vary widely. For some people, profound autism means being nonverbal and having significant intellectual disabilities. Others have far milder effects, such as difficulty with social and emotional skills.
Autism rates are rising — not among profound cases but milder ones, said autism expert Helen Tager-Flusberg of Boston University.
That's because doctors gradually learned that milder symptoms were part of autism's spectrum, leading to changes in the late 1990s and early 2000s in diagnosis guidelines and qualifications for educational services, she said.
An encouraging study found nearly four in 10 children outgrow autism. Researchers from Boston Children’s Hospital followed 213 children who were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder as toddlers, and concluded 37% of children no longer met the criteria for an autism diagnosis by the time they reached 5 to 7 years old. Veuer’s Maria Mercedes Galuppo has the story.
What's the state of autism research?
The link between genes and autism dates back to studies of twins decades ago. Some are rare genetic variants passed from parent to child, even if the parent shows no signs of autism.
That's not the only kind. As the brain develops, rapidly dividing cells make mistakes that can lead to mutations in only one type of cell or one part of the brain, Amaral explained.
Noninvasive testing can spot differences in brain activity patterns in babies who won't be diagnosed with autism until far later, when symptoms become apparent, he said.
Those kinds of changes stem from alterations in brain structure or its neural circuitry — and understanding them requires studying brain tissue that's available only after death, said Amaral, who's the scientific director of a brain banking collaborative called Autism BrainNet. Funded by the nonprofit Simons Foundation, the bank collected more than 400 donated brains — about half from people with autism and the rest for comparison.
What about environmental effects?
Researchers identified other factors that can interact with genetic vulnerability to increase the risk of autism. They include the age of a child's father; whether the mother had certain health problems, including diabetes, during pregnancy; use of certain medications during pregnancy, and preterm birth.
Concern that measles vaccinations could be linked to autism is long debunked, stressed Tager-Flusberg, who leads a new Coalition of Autism Scientists pushing back on administration misstatements about the condition.
Doubt anyone from 'Love on the Spectrum' would agree with RFK Jr. calling autism a 'tragedy' that 'destroys families.' Autism isn't the problem — the real issue is a world that doesn't treat autistic people with dignity.
What about Kennedy's database plan?
The U.S., with its fragmented health care system, will never have the kind of detailed medical tracking available in countries like Denmark and Norway — places with national health systems where research shows similar rises in autism diagnoses and no environmental smoking gun.
Experts say Kennedy's planned database isn't appropriate to uncover autism's causes in part because there's no information about genetics.
Still, researchers have long used insurance claims and similar data to study other important questions, such as access to autism services. The NIH described the upcoming database as useful for studies focusing on access to care, treatment effectiveness and other trends.
Is it autism, a learning disability, or both?
Is it autism, a learning disability, or both?
If you're autistic, you're more likely to have a learning disability than the general public. In fact, around also have a learning disability. But being autistic doesn't mean you're bound to have a learning disability, °ù±ð±è´Ç°ù³Ù²õ.ÌýÌý
The signs of learning disabilities and autism can look similar, which means it can be tricky to recognize the differences between them. Empowering yourself with knowledge about autism and learning disabilities can help you get the support you deserve.ÌýÂ
Key Takeaways
- Autism isn't a learning disability. But autism and learning disabilities can share some characteristics.
- The process for getting diagnosed with autism is separate from the process of getting diagnosed with a learning disability.
- Certain learning disabilities are more likely to occur with autism.
How can autism impact learning?
Autism isn't classified as a learning disability, but it can affect learning. The two main ways that autism can affect the way a person learns are:
Executive functioningÂ
for people with autism. In school, this might look like an , like metaphors or certain math concepts. They could also have trouble with an essay assignment that requires them to imagine and describe a utopian world.Ìý
that include multiple steps. This skill can especially help when there are distractions, like in a chemistry lab that's frequently interrupted by disruptive students. This doesn't mean that autistic people can't learn or master a chemistry experiment, for example. But it could be more difficult or require a change to more optimal conditions for some people.
Difficulty understanding communication norms
The way neurotypical people socialize can be unnatural or a burden for autistic people. For example, eye contact during a conversation or indirect communication is considered the default for most of society. These unspoken expectations can sometimes cause an autistic student to miss out on valuable learning in situations like group work or class discussions.Ìý
What's the difference between a learning disorder and autism?
Generally, . As a parent, observing your child might seem like just part of your job. If your child is autistic, these .Ìý
If your child experiences certain signs to an extent that interferes with their ability to move through life, they may have autism. These signs include:
- Experiencing persistent communication and relational difficulties
- Having restricted interests
- Engaging in repetitive behaviors (known as )Ìý
But it's not just on you to figure this out. A qualified before making a diagnosis. They might call their name to see how they react or notice if they engage in imaginative play, like playing with stuffed animals or interacting with an imaginary friend.ÌýÂ
It's also important to rule out any vision or hearing impairments that could explain autism signs. For this reason, a professional may test your child's vision and hearing.ÌýÂ
What kinds of therapies can support autistic people?
Several types of . These approaches include:
- Speech and language therapy: If your autistic child or loved one has difficulties with speech, this type of therapy can help them better understand speech and language.Ìý
- Occupational therapy: Some autistic people require support to learn skills needed for independent living. Occupational therapy teaches skills like getting dressed, eating, bathing, and social skills.
- Sensory integration therapy: Sometimes part of occupational therapy, this kind of therapy can teach autistic people how to better manage sensory triggers, like loud noises or bright lights.Ìý
- Physical therapy: Occupational therapy can also include physical therapy, which involves improving physical skills, like moving different parts of the body.Ìý
How are children diagnosed with learning disabilities?
Noticing a learning disability can also hinge on careful observation, often done in school. There are two :
- Response-to-intervention model: This model checks how students respond to different learning interventions. Then, the school notes which ones a child has difficulty with. Students' progress is continuously monitored, and adjustments are made as needed. If a student doesn't respond positively to the intervention, they may be diagnosed with a learning disability.Ìý
- Severe discrepancy model: With this model, a qualified professional — usually a school psychologist — evaluates a child's general abilities or IQ. Their results are compared to those of other kids their age, along with the child's academic skills. If there's a big difference between these scores, this could indicate the presence of a learning disability.
  "From my clinical experience, I've found that external factors play a huge role in how people with learning disabilities or autism manage their symptoms," says Elise Miller, MA, LPC. "This can be true when the client is a child, and parents and teachers have a huge amount of influence over their daily experience. And it can also be true for adults who are shaping their own supportive environment. For example, I have a client who benefits greatly from being able to work remotely in her quiet home with lower sensory stimuli."
How are learning disabilities treated?
Treating a learning disability depends on the condition and the child's unique needs. But, generally, treatment can include:
- Special education: A child with a learning disability may benefit from this tailored and as kids without learning disabilities.Ìý
- Speech and language therapy: , just like autistic children. It can help them catch up or ensure that they don't fall behind in areas like reading, talking, and writing.Ìý
Which learning disabilities are associated with autism?
Although anyone can have a learning disability, certain ones occur more frequently in people with autism. These include:
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Certain learning disabilities, like , . People with usually have trouble grasping math and number concepts, like that the number "4" is the same as the word "four." Issues with counting, subtraction and addition, and recognizing basic patterns .Ìý
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Dyslexia and autism can also go hand in hand. Dyslexia affects the part of the brain that processes language used in skills like reading comprehension. Some people with dyslexia say it feels like .Ìý
Autistic people with dyslexia may experience both communication barriers and trouble with social interactions. Often, autistic people don't naturally conform to the social expectations of neurotypical people. When these two difficulties combine, it can mean that autistic people are . This can greatly impact their relationships.Ìý
Dysgraphia
is both a learning disability and a neurological condition that makes it hard for people to convert thoughts into writing. Adults usually notice it in children when they're first learning to write. The condition commonly occurs alongside autism.ÌýÂ
It can manifest in different ways because writing involves many different skills. For example, a person with dysgraphia may have trouble with spelling and (like holding a pencil steadily). Dysgraphia is common, with up to 10% of people experiencing it.
Supportive strategies for autism and learning disabilities
Managing co-occurring autism and a learning disability can take practice. Here are some helpful strategies:
- Maintain a regular routine and schedule. Autistic people can feel supported by consistency in their routines and daily schedules.
- Use visual aids. Visual aids and images can help with instruction, as traditional communication can be difficult for some autistic people.
- Create a supportive environment. Strategies like positive reinforcement can help autistic people who also have learning disabilities thrive.Ìý
- Remove sensory triggers or add sensory aids, when possible. It's common for many autistic people to be over or underwhelmed by certain sensory input, like certain textures or sounds.Ìý
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The financial cost of autism management: Navigating expenses and resources
The financial cost of autism management: Navigating expenses and resources
The high cost of (ASD) care can be a significant barrier for people and families who need support. According to , these services average $6,567 (0–5 years), $9,053 (age 6–17 years), and $13,580 (18+ years) per year and can increase further for individuals with co-occurring conditions or other health needs.
While all to cover some level of autism-related care, coverage details vary, and out-of-pocket costs can still be significant, explains. Your out-of-pocket expenses will be based on your insurance coverage, location, provider's qualifications, and other factors.Ìý
Key Takeaways
- Autism care can be expensive, with annual costs potentially amounting to thousands of dollars.
- While private insurance companies are required to provide coverage for autism treatment, out-of-pocket expenses can vary considerably based on plan details and state mandates.
- If you're concerned about the cost of autism care, start by verifying your insurance coverage. Several government and private programs may offer to provide financial assistance and help you get the care you need.
Remember, you deserve to know your financial obligation before accessing treatment services of any kind. Exploring the cost of autism care and the resources that can help make autism care more accessible can help ensure that you get the support you need.ÌýÂ
Cost breakdown of autism treatments
Below, Rula has listed some average prices for some of the most common autism services. While your actual costs may vary, having a baseline understanding of the price of autism treatment can help you make informed decisions about your care.
Evaluation and assessment
When it comes to effective autism treatment, is key. The sooner a person is diagnosed, the sooner they can receive support. The first step in accessing autism care is to seek an evaluation to determine whether you meet the criteria for ASD.Ìý
To get an evaluation, a psychiatrist, licensed psychologist, neurodevelopmental pediatrician, developmental-behavioral pediatrician, child neurologist, geneticist, or an early intervention program that provides assessment services. The cost of this initial assessment can range from or more, depending on the provider, location, and insurance coverage. Some government and nonprofit programs may help cover costs for families in need.
Applied behavioral analysis (ABA)Ìý
After you receive a diagnosis, the next step is to work with your provider(s) to create a treatment plan. This can include a variety of therapies and other services based on your individual needs. However, one of the most commonly used treatments for people with autism is (ABA).Ìý
ABA is an evidence-based intervention that can help people learn new skills and adopt healthy behaviors to improve daily life. The amount of ABA therapy a person needs per week varies, but it with a certified provider. And costs can differ depending on provider credentials, location, and insurance coverage.Ìý
Here's a sample breakdown of how those costs might add up:
- 10 hours per week of ABA: $1,200
- 20 hours per week of ABA: $2,400
- 40 hours per week of ABA: $4,800
If cost is a concern, check with your insurance provider, and explore financial assistance programs that may help cover expenses.
Other therapies and services
In addition to ABA, there are that can help people with autism. For example, this could include speech therapy, social skills training, parenting classes, occupational therapy, , group therapy, and more.Ìý
People with autism may also need to work with doctors, nutritionists, physical therapists, and other providers who focus on physical well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the annual cost of these services of dollars per year.
Finding support for financial costs of autism
If you or someone you love needs autism care and you're worried about how you're going to pay for these services, you're not alone. These services can be expensive. But fortunately, there are a variety of resources that can help ease the financial burden of autism care.
- Health insurance: If you have health insurance, . Call the number on the back of your insurance card, and ask to review your benefits. It can help to make a list of questions ahead of time, like:
- What types of behavioral therapies are covered?Â
- Is there a maximum amount my plan will pay for the services?Â
- Am I limited to a certain number of visits with various providers?Â
- How do I find in-network providers?Â
- Do I need to be pre-approved to see a specialist or seek an evaluation?
- Government programs: The government assists people with autism . These include supplemental security income (SSI), Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and more. These programs can help make autism care more accessible through no-cost insurance coverage and financial assistance. You may also have access to in addition to federal programs.
- Private organizations: is a grant-funded program that provides financial assistance to help people who have an immediate need for autism care. The provides a variety of services to help eliminate barriers for young people with autism and other healthcare needs.
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