Autism Episodes

Why do so many more boys get diagnosed with autism than girls? For decades, autism research focused mostly on boys, and the picture we learned to recognize was built around them. But what if girls have been there all along — just harder to spot?

Myah Gittelson, PhD reveals how autism can look different in girls. Why are many girls labeled anxious or perfectionistic instead of autistic? We also talk about misdiagnosis and what to do when your school says everything is fine.

If you’ve ever wonde...

Why are autism rates increasing? How is autism diagnosed? Dr. Wendy explains the cutting-edge investigations from researcher Karen Pierce, PhD who is using eye-tracking software to identify kids on the spectrum and what this means for the future of autism diagnosis and treatment.




For more information on the topics discussed in this episode and our guest Dr. Pierce please visit the website for UCSD Autism Center of Excellence (neurosciences.ucsd.edu) & Karen Pierce, PhD’s UCSD profile (prof...

Have you wondered if a child you know has autism? Pediatrician Wendy Hunter, MD explains how you can tell the difference between normal weird kid behavior and signs that a child is on the autism spectrum. Find out which other diagnoses can look like autism and what treatments are available. Plus she gives resources for getting an autism evaluation.




Find your state’s Early Intervention program


Programs to treat behavior problems: Triple P (Positive Parenting Programs), Parent-Child Inter...