Profound Autism: Understanding the Surge and Finding Solutions

Mike Carr highlights new CDC data showing autism rates rising from 1 in 36 eight-year-olds in 2020 to 1 in 31 by 2022. Reflecting on raising his profoundly autistic son diagnosed in 1990—when rates were about 1 in 10,000—Carr argues the increase isn't just better diagnosis but a real, troubling trend. He suggests RFK Jr.'s claim that autism is a more urgent crisis than COVID deserves attention, given the heavy financial and caregiving burdens. Carr stresses the need for clearer communication about autism’s complexity and describes how his initiatives, Autism Labs and J13, aim to use technology and expertise to deliver better, more affordable care.