Autism in children and young adults in America has surged in the last decade, data shows.
An analysis of millions of health records found that among all age groups, diagnoses rose 175 percent between 2011 and 2022, from a rate of 2.3 to 6.3 per 1,000 people.
The biggest increase was among young adults ages 26 to 34, with a 450 percent jump.
But children ages five to eight are still the most likely group to be diagnosed – at a rate of 30 per 1,000.
The researchers say better screening, raised awareness and a broader diagnostic criteria are driving the surge.
But recent studies have also pointed to environmental factors like pollution, and aging mothers also playing a role.