The rise in autism diagnosis rates among the Black community, like in other communities, can be attributed to several factors. While the prevalence of autism appears to have increased over time, much of this shift reflects improvements in diagnostic practices, greater awareness, and expanded access to healthcare, rather than a true surge in cases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 31 children in the United States is now diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a significant increase from 1 in 150 in the early 2000s. This rise is largely due to better recognition of the autism spectrum, refined diagnostic criteria, and broader social understanding.
Despite the consensus among scientists, public figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have promoted unfounded theories linking vaccines to autism. Kennedy has claimed that thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative previously used in some vaccines, is connected to a rise in autism rates—despite thimerosal being removed from most childhood vaccines by 2001. In a controversial 2005 article published in Salon and Rolling Stone, Kennedy alleged a government cover-up, stating that “the science connecting brain damage with thimerosal is absolutely overwhelming.” However, that article was later corrected and ultimately removed due to numerous factual inaccuracies.
Decades of research have consistently debunked Kennedy’s claims. Large-scale studies conducted in the US, Denmark, and elsewhere have found no credible link between vaccines and autism. Organizations including the CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics have all affirmed that vaccines are safe and not associated with autism spectrum disorder.
Kennedy’s rhetoric is especially harmful in the context of ongoing racial health disparities. Historically, Black children have been underdiagnosed with autism or diagnosed at later ages compared to white children. A CDC study found that Black children are more likely to receive diagnoses after age 4, limiting access to early intervention services during the most critical developmental window. One study revealed that Black children were 30% less likely to be diagnosed before age 3, a gap that is slowly narrowing as awareness and access improve.
As diagnosis rates among Black children rise, it’s crucial to understand that this reflects the correction of historic underdiagnosis—not a sudden increase in autism itself. Misinformation, such as Kennedy’s discredited theories, detracts from addressing real systemic barriers like inequitable access to healthcare, stigma, and delayed evaluations in underserved communities.
However, Elevate Black Health wants to address a few of the reasons for the rise in autism rates:
- Environmental and Social Factors: There is emerging research that suggests environmental and social factors may play a role in the prevalence of autism. For instance, exposure to environmental toxins or disparities in healthcare access may contribute to varying autism rates across communities. However, this is an area that requires further research.
- Improved Awareness and Advocacy: Over the years, there has been a growing awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), both in medical and community spaces. Advocacy groups have pushed for better awareness, leading to more people being diagnosed, especially in historically underserved communities like the Black community.
- Better Access to Diagnostic Services: With improvements in healthcare and access to diagnostic tools, more individuals, including those in the Black community, are being evaluated and diagnosed for autism. Previously, limited access to healthcare may have resulted in underdiagnosis.
- More Focused Research on Minority Groups: Increased attention is being paid to autism in diverse racial and ethnic groups. Research studies have become more inclusive, acknowledging that autism can present differently across cultures and communities, leading to better identification.
- Changes in Diagnostic Criteria: The criteria used to diagnose autism have evolved over time. As the understanding of autism spectrum disorder has expanded, the criteria for diagnosis have become more inclusive, which may result in more children being diagnosed.
- Improved Cultural Competency in Healthcare: There is a growing recognition of the need for culturally competent healthcare providers who are aware of how autism may present in different communities. This can lead to more accurate diagnoses and fewer missed cases.
- Earlier and More Frequent Screenings: Early screening programs for autism have become more prevalent, and this has likely resulted in more children being diagnosed at younger ages. These screenings are reaching more families in diverse communities, including Black families.
- Greater Acceptance of Mental Health Diagnosis: Mental health and developmental disorder diagnoses, including autism, have become less stigmatized over time, especially within communities that may have been reluctant to seek professional help in the past. This shift in attitudes has contributed to more diagnoses in Black communities.
- Increased Reporting and Data Collection: Government and public health agencies have become more diligent about collecting data on autism diagnoses, and this has highlighted differences in prevalence rates across various communities. This data collection is essential for improving public health responses and may make autism seem more prevalent in the Black community.
- Educational and Social Support Programs: Schools and early education programs have become more involved in recognizing developmental delays and disorders like autism. This has resulted in more children being identified and receiving diagnoses that they might not have received in the past. However, as the US government takes a stern look at the US Department of Education, with massive layoffs and the possibility of a complete shutdown, the social and educational support programs are in jeopardy.
The perceived rise in autism diagnoses within the Black community is best understood as the result of multiple intersecting factors: improved diagnostic tools, greater public awareness, evolving medical practices, and a growing cultural acceptance of developmental differences. Historically, autism in Black children was significantly underdiagnosed, and the recent increase in identification reflects a long-overdue correction of that disparity–something we as a community should be excited about rather than have concern. As access to healthcare has improved and medical professionals have become more culturally competent, Black families are now more empowered to seek and receive accurate diagnoses and early interventions.
Despite these advancements, public information around autism continues to be clouded by misinformation—often perpetuated by individuals like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has built a platform by promoting discredited theories that link vaccines to autism. Kennedy, who has no formal training in medicine or science, has used his public profile to spread fear and sow distrust in proven public health measures. His rhetoric, while framed as advocacy, is rooted in fearmongering and conspiracy rather than scientific evidence, and it poses a real danger—particularly to communities that already face barriers to healthcare access and medical equity.
Still, continued research into the environmental, social, and systemic healthcare factors that influence autism rates is essential. A deeper understanding of these elements will help advance more equitable care across all communities. As our knowledge grows, it’s vital to push for comprehensive educational, health, and social policy reforms that ensure every child—regardless of race or background—receives timely diagnosis, intervention, and support.
Elevate Black Health recommends you seek evidence-based information, turn to reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and peer-reviewed medical research. Always be cautious of claims made by individuals without scientific or medical credentials, especially when those claim to contradict the global scientific consensus.
To Learn More:
- Correcting Our Record / Salon. https://www.salon.com/2011/01/16/dangerous_immunity/
- Autism and Vaccines / CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/about/autism.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/autism.html
- Elevate Black Health / Autism Library. https://www.elevateblackhealth.com/category/autism/
- RFK Jr Exaggerated the severity of autism in remarks about rising diagnoses. Poynter. https://www.poynter.org/fact-checking/2025/rfk-autism-destroys-families-remarks/
- The Impact of Autism Awareness on Acceptance and Inclusion. AdvancedAutism.com. https://www.advancedautism.com/post/the-impact-of-autism-awareness-on-acceptance-and-inclusion
