The National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have joined forces to investigate the causes of autism spectrum disorder by creating a database of autism-diagnosed Medicare and Medicaid enrollees, as announced on Wednesday.
This collaboration will assist NIH in constructing a real-world data platform that facilitates advanced research utilizing claims data, electronic medical records, and wearable health-monitoring devices.
The initial focus will be on exploring the root causes of autism and, in the future, integrating data for studying other chronic conditions. The agencies assure that the project will adhere to relevant privacy laws.
"We're providing transparent and accountable answers that families have been waiting for," stated U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Researchers will examine autism diagnosis trends, health outcomes resulting from medical and behavioral interventions, access to care, disparities based on demographics and geography, and the economic impact on families and healthcare systems.
Autism is a neurological and developmental disorder characterized by disruptions in brain signaling that impact behavior, communication, interaction, and learning abilities.
Kennedy, a former environmental lawyer, has previously advocated a debunked connection between vaccines and autism.
In a recent statement, he suggested that environmental factors contribute to the increasing prevalence of autism, indicating a broad examination of potential triggers from mold to medication.
The rates of autism spectrum disorder among U.S. children hit a record high in 2022, continuing a trend of rising prevalence.
While there are no known treatments or cures for autism, early diagnosis is crucial. Early intervention with supportive measures, ideally before age three, is essential for enhancing cognitive, social, and communication skills.