Autism: A Disorder, Disability, or Difference Exploring Science, Challenges, and Strengths

What is autism? In this video, I dive into one of the most debated topics in medicine, exploring whether autism is a disorder that needs treatment, a disability requiring support, or simply a different way of being. I examine the challenges of social interaction, co-occurring conditions, and emerging research on mitochondrial dysfunction. With a focus on science, respect, and neurodiversity, I offer a thoughtful guide to understanding autism and rethinking how we approach it—with compassion and an open mind.

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:56 Different Approaches
03:06 What about Asperger’s Disorder?
04:06 What causes autism?
06:50 New Research
08:28 How we talk about autism
09:50 Is there a cure?
11:03 Autism is Multifaceted

I hope this video helped clarify some of the key questions around autism, its complexities, and how we can better understand and support individuals on the spectrum.

#autism #autismspectrumdisorder #whatisautism #autismdiagnosis #science #autismspectrum

I am a Harvard psychiatrist and researcher working at the interface of metabolism and mental health. I am the Founder and Director of the Metabolic and Mental Health Program and the Director of the Department of Postgraduate and Continuing Education at McLean Hospital and an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. For almost 30 years, I have held administrative, educational, research, and clinical roles in psychiatry at McLean and Harvard. I have been pioneering the use of the medical ketogenic diet in the treatment of psychiatric disorders—conducting research in this area, treating patients, writing, and speaking around the world on this topic. Most recently, I have proposed that mental disorders can be understood as metabolic disorders affecting the brain, which has received widespread recognition in both national and international media outlets.

For more information:

Brain Energy
https://brainenergy.com/

Chris Palmer, M.D.
https://www.chrispalmermd.com/

@chrispalmermd
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@chrispalmermd
https://x.com/ChrisPalmerMD