The Causes & Treatments for Autism | Dr. Karen Parker, Ph.D

Dr. Karen Parker, Ph.D., a professor of psychiatry and director of the Social Neurosciences Research Program at Stanford University School of Medicine.

Together, with Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., a neuroscientist and tenured professor in the department of neurobiology of ophthalmology, and by courtesy, psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford School of Medicine, explore the biology of social connection—how bonding develops in babies, children, and adults, and what happens in the brain and body during these interactions. Dr. Parker shares insights into our current understanding of autism and the broader autism spectrum, including why diagnosis rates have increased in recent years and what science tells us about contributing factors.

We also discuss available and emerging approaches to supporting autistic individuals, as well as the evolution of diagnoses—such as the shift away from terms like “Asperger’s syndrome” in favour of more inclusive and accurate language.

This episode is relevant for anyone interested in human development, neurodiversity, social connection, and the future of autism research and support.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccrbE0QHy94

Dr. Karen Parker, Ph.D and Dr Andrew Huberman, Ph.D discuss Autism, causes and treatments