newsJun 26, 20258:13pending
Autism rates have exploded. Could the definition be partly to blame?
About this episode
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has spent years spreading doubt about the safety of vaccines and linking them to autism.
Dozens of studies have debunked the theory, but it has nevertheless persisted for years. Part of the reason why may be that autism diagnoses have soared over the last few decades.
Dr. Allen Frances is psychiatrist who led the task force that created the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which expanded the definition of Autism. Frances says that expanded definition played a role in the increase.
Rates of autism have exploded in recent decades. Could the clinical definition of autism itself be partly to blame?
For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.
Email us at [email protected].
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
NPR Privacy Policy
Dozens of studies have debunked the theory, but it has nevertheless persisted for years. Part of the reason why may be that autism diagnoses have soared over the last few decades.
Dr. Allen Frances is psychiatrist who led the task force that created the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which expanded the definition of Autism. Frances says that expanded definition played a role in the increase.
Rates of autism have exploded in recent decades. Could the clinical definition of autism itself be partly to blame?
For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.
Email us at [email protected].
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
NPR Privacy Policy
Get every episode summarized
Each time Consider This from NPR publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Consider This from NPR
The Smithsonian's leader is stepping down. Where does the Institution go from he...
Consider This from NPR
Sep 8, 20269:20failed
As a new school year begins, how are students and parents feeling?
Consider This from NPR
Sep 7, 20269:07completed
9/11 changed America's place in the world. What did Russia and China learn?
Consider This from NPR
Sep 6, 202612:28completed
Unraveling the story about George Santos' insider trading on Kalshi
Consider This from NPR
Sep 5, 20269:26completed