Autism appears to be more prevalent today than it was just decades ago. Much of that reflects the widening definition of the condition, greater awareness and improved, earlier detection. Yet other factors may also be at play. Scientists are probing the biology of autism in the hope of developing better interventions. 

Elsewhere, we look at America’s new investment accounts for babies—nicknamed “Trump Accounts” after the normally modest president. Michael Dell, a technology billionaire, has pledged $6.25bn to the effort. We calculate how such accounts might perform—and note that there are plenty of better-targeted ways to tackle child poverty. 

Lastly, Sir Keir Starmer tells us that the real threat to Britain comes not from the Tories but from the populist-right Reform party. You can watch our full interview with Britain’s prime minister, and the latest episode of The Insider, in which our editors discuss it.

Britain’s prime minister on the crisis of centrism and whether his political project can survive