WASHINGTON (TNND) — Autism rates have surged dramatically over the past 25 years, with current data indicating that approximately 1 in 36 children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This marks a significant increase from the year 2000 when the prevalence was 1 in 150 children.

Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy Jr. has pledged that by September, the cause of this rise will be identified. Kennedy said a massive testing and research effort is underway, involving hundreds of scientists globally.

We've launched a massive testing and research effort that's gonna involve hundreds of scientists from around the world. By September, we will know what has caused the autism epidemic and we'll be able to eliminate those exposures.

According to CNN, some express concern that Kennedy's efforts might unjustly blame vaccines, potentially impacting public health. Last month, Kennedy directed the CDC to study the relationship between vaccines and autism.

In related developments, new research published in Nature Communications suggests a potential link between autism and gut health. The study found that children with autism have noticeably different gut bacteria compared to neurotypical children. These changes in the gut microbiome may affect brain areas associated with behavior and learning. The study also noted that autistic children were more likely to have mothers who took antibiotics during pregnancy.

Researchers in Los Angeles conducted the study by examining children aged 8 to 17. They found that those with autism had lower levels of certain gut-related molecules, which could mean they produce less serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. This could be connected to symptoms such as behavioral issues, bloating, and constipation. The "gut-brain" link in autism has been a topic of interest for years but was often dismissed. With new data from stool samples and brain scans, scientists are calling for further investigation into this connection.

Future studies incorporating longitudinal designs focusing on critical periods of pre- and postnatal development, as well as interventional designs, are needed to further explore these relationships and their relevance in ASD.