What we know (and don’t know) about autism, according to science

Autism cases are increasing globally, but its causes are difficult to specify. US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy jnr has vowed to discover the cause of autism by September, saying the “autism epidemic is running rampant”.

While cases are on the rise – often because of better screening and greater awareness – the actual causes aren’t easy to pinpoint. It’s a complex condition, and symptoms may vary from person to person. Here’s what experts and decades of scientific research have to say about autism.



What exactly is autism? “Autism is not one condition,” said Geraldine Dawson, professor of psychiatry and behavioural sciences at Duke University and founding director of the Duke Centre for Autism and Brain Development. “It is many different conditions with many different causes.”.