Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition. Despite increasing rates in Autism diagnoses and its growing presence in public conversation, there is a great deal of confusion around the causes and how to navigate this diagnosis. To help clarify key questions, we spoke with Suma Jacob, MD, PhD, a child-adolescent-adult psychiatrist and neuroscientist, about autism’s causes, including genetics, prenatal factors, and the impact of improved screening. We also explored therapies and ways to support individuals and families. Later, Karen J. Parker, PhD, a Stanford University Truong-Tan Broadcom endowed professor, shared insights on the rising rates of diagnosis, promising biological markers, and what current research may mean for the future of autism care and understanding.

<p><a href="https://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/understanding-autism-basics" data-testid="linkable-text">Autism</a> is a complex neurodevelopmental condition. Despite increasing rates in Autism diagnoses and its growing presence in public conversation, there is a great deal of confusion around the causes and how to navigate this diagnosis. To help clarify key questions, we spoke with<a href="https://capfellowship.semel.ucla.edu/faculty-member/jacob-suma/" data-testid="linkable-text"> Suma Jacob, MD, PhD</a>, a child-adolescent-adult psychiatrist and neuroscientist, about autism&rsquo;s<a href="https://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/symptoms-of-autism" data-testid="linkable-text"> causes</a>, including genetics, prenatal factors, and the impact of improved<a href="https://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/high-functioning-autism" data-testid="linkable-text"> screening</a>. We also explored<a href="https://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/understanding-autism-treatment" data-testid="linkable-text"> therapies</a> and ways to support individuals and families. Later,<a href="https://profiles.stanford.edu/karen-parker" data-testid="linkable-text"> Karen J. Parker, PhD</a>, a Stanford University Truong-Tan Broadcom endowed professor, shared insights on the rising rates of diagnosis, promising biological markers, and what current research may mean for the future of autism care and understanding.</p>

WebMD Chief Physician Editor Neha Pathak, MD, and Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, MD, MPH, explore fascinating stories to find the unexpected things that help us understand our health.