What You’ve Wanted to Know About Autism but Were Too Afraid to Ask

About this episode

Dr. Sanjay Gupta discusses autism with researcher Dr. Matthew Lerner, exploring changes in understanding and rising diagnoses.

In response to a listener's call about her autistic son, Dr. Sanjay Gupta invited leading autism researcher Dr. Matthew Lerner, Director of the Social Connections and Treatment Lab at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, to break down how our understanding of autism has changed, what it means to be “on the spectrum” and why diagnoses are on the rise. The conversation continues next Tuesday on Paging Dr. Gupta, where Sanjay explores what growing up and transitioning into adulthood really looks like for autistic people. Our show was produced by Jennifer Lai and Kyra Dahring Medical Writer: Andrea KaneShowrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan BloomTechnical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Sanjay Gupta

Guest: Dr. Matthew Lerner

Topics covered

• autism
• diagnosis
• research
• spectrum
• transitioning to adulthood

Keywords

• autism
• spectrum
• diagnosis
• research
• Dr. Sanjay Gupta

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, CNN Podcasts

More episodes of Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta

• Revisiting: Exploring the Brain with 10-year-old 'Sean the Science Kid' · September 11, 2026 · 29 min
• A Doctor, a Dad, and a Player Talk Football Safety · September 4, 2026 · 26 min
• Revisiting: Did You Take Your Vitamins Today? Maybe You Don’t Have To · August 28, 2026 · 31 min
• Revisiting: Why You're Breathing Wrong, and How to Fix It · August 21, 2026 · 30 min
• Revisiting: Relax, Jealousy is Normal · August 14, 2026 · 29 min
• Your Checklist for Medical Care Abroad · August 7, 2026 · 31 min