The Surprising Causes of Autism & Why It's On The Rise

Mark Hyman

Apr 10, 2024

Episode description

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The prevalence of autism has risen a shocking 400% in the last twenty years. Increased awareness and diagnosis are one piece, but there are also so many other factors to consider. The hopeful news is that we’re seeing a shift paradigm in how we view and treat autism, with some truly amazing improvements possible. I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Suzanna Goh, a board-certified pediatric behavioral neurologist, behavioral analyst, neuroscience researcher, Rhodes scholar, and author.



In this episode, we discuss:



  • Shaking things up around the autism paradigm (1:57)

  • The connection between the brain and mitochondria (6:04)

  • Can autism be reversed? (7:00)

  • The biggest mistake made in autism (10:10)

  • What creates the inflammatory fire in the autistic brain? (15:20)

  • The role of diet in autism treatment (19:17)

  • Functional tests for assessing brain function and how to best support kids with autism (26:30)

  • Mitochondrial dysfunction and autism (28:30)

  • "Magnificent Minds" - A book on autism by Dr. Suzanne Goh (34:57)



Using a whole-child approach and investigating the intricate connections between metabolism, mitochondrial function, and nutrition we can better understand what types of support autistic children need most. I hope you’ll listen in to learn more. 



This episode is brought to you by Rupa Health, AG1, and Essentia.



Streamline your lab orders with Rupa Health. Access more than 3,000 specialty lab tests and register for a FREE live demo at RupaHealth.com.



Get your daily serving of vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, and more with AG1. Head to DrinkAG1.com/Hyman and get a years worth of D3 and 5 Travel Packs for FREE with your first order.



Receive an extra $100 off your mattress purchase! Go to myessentia.com/drmarkhyman to get this great deal.

Episode description

View the Show Notes From This Episode



Get Free Weekly Health Tips from Dr. Hyman



Sign Up for Dr. Hyman’s Weekly Longevity Journal



The prevalence of autism has risen a shocking 400% in the last twenty years. Increased awareness and diagnosis are one piece, but there are also so many other factors to consider. The hopeful news is that we’re seeing a shift paradigm in how we view and treat autism, with some truly amazing improvements possible. I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Suzanna Goh, a board-certified pediatric behavioral neurologist, behavioral analyst, neuroscience researcher, Rhodes scholar, and author.



In this episode, we discuss:



  • Shaking things up around the autism paradigm (1:57)

  • The connection between the brain and mitochondria (6:04)

  • Can autism be reversed? (7:00)

  • The biggest mistake made in autism (10:10)

  • What creates the inflammatory fire in the autistic brain? (15:20)

  • The role of diet in autism treatment (19:17)

  • Functional tests for assessing brain function and how to best support kids with autism (26:30)

  • Mitochondrial dysfunction and autism (28:30)

  • "Magnificent Minds" - A book on autism by Dr. Suzanne Goh (34:57)



Using a whole-child approach and investigating the intricate connections between metabolism, mitochondrial function, and nutrition we can better understand what types of support autistic children need most. I hope you’ll listen in to learn more. 



This episode is brought to you by Rupa Health, AG1, and Essentia.



Streamline your lab orders with Rupa Health. Access more than 3,000 specialty lab tests and register for a FREE live demo at RupaHealth.com.



Get your daily serving of vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, and more with AG1. Head to DrinkAG1.com/Hyman and get a years worth of D3 and 5 Travel Packs for FREE with your first order.



Receive an extra $100 off your mattress purchase! Go to myessentia.com/drmarkhyman to get this great deal.

Mindsip insights from this episode:

View autism diagnosis as a starting point for unique health exploration

An autism diagnosis is not a final biological cause but a descriptive starting point for investigating a child's unique biology and health.

Address all health issues simultaneously for optimal improvement

If you are standing on two tacks, removing only one does not make you 50% better, illustrating the need to address all underlying health issues simultaneously.

Stimulate vagus nerve to alleviate chronic stress response in autism

A form of tiny microcurrent electrical stimulation on the vagus nerve can help counter the body's chronic stress response, which is common in autism.

Limit dairy to enhance folate metabolism for better brain function

Dairy consumption can lead to the formation of antibodies that interfere with folate metabolism by blocking folate receptors, which is critical for brain function.

Expand diet with nutrient-dense foods before elimination

For picky eaters, it's often better to first expand the diet with nutrient-dense whole foods before attempting restrictive elimination diets to avoid nutrient deficiencies.

Recognize mitochondrial response to physiological stressors

Mitochondria respond similarly to all types of physiological stressors, whether it's an illness, a surgical procedure, or a vaccine, which can trigger regression in vulnerable individuals.

Act urgently to address brain dysfunction in autism

The concept of 'time is brain,' originally for stroke, also applies to autism, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address brain dysfunction.

Modify diet and lifestyle to influence gene expression

Even if you can't change your genes, you can change their effects and expression by modifying diet, lifestyle, and nutrient intake.

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