Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, May 7: In a landmark initiative, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on Wednesday announced a joint research project to study the causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), creating a nationwide database of autism-diagnosed enrollees under the Medicare and Medicaid programmes.
The partnership will build a robust real-world data platform integrating insurance claims, electronic medical records, and even wearable health-monitoring devices, enabling comprehensive autism research. While the immediate focus is on understanding the root causes of autism, the project aims to expand into other chronic health conditions over time.
“We're pulling back the curtain, with full transparency and accountability, to deliver the honest answers families have waited far too long to hear,” said Robert F Kennedy Jr, secretary of the US department of health and Human Services, in a statement.
The initiative will delve into autism diagnosis trends over time, the effectiveness of medical and behavioral interventions, disparities in access to care across demographics and regions, and the overall economic impact on families and healthcare systems.
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental condition that disrupts brain-signaling and affects how individuals communicate, behave, and learn. While there is no cure or reversal for autism, experts emphasise that early diagnosis and timely intervention—ideally before age three—can significantly improve outcomes.
Kennedy, known for previously advocating a debunked link between vaccines and autism, recently shifted focus to exploring environmental triggers. Last month, he cited the need to examine a wide range of possible causes, including mold exposure and pharmaceutical interactions.
Autism rates among American children hit a record high in 2022, continuing a decades-long trend of rising prevalence. The new federal effort is expected to provide clearer insights into these patterns and pave the way for improved care and policy decisions.