Is autism a disease or a disorder, or neither? What determines which part of the spectrum a child will be on? And does pollution cause neuro-developmental disorders? While medical science is yet to determine the exact cause of autism, recent research is helping doctors understand better the many factors that can lead to changes in the brain of an infant.

This episode explains the causes and nature of autism. Dr Sheffali Gulati, professor and faculty-in-charge at the Child Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics in AIIMS, New Delhi, has decades of experience with autism, and she shares her experiences and knowledge with us.

Tune in to learn more about autism, what families face when there is a diagnosis in the family, the importance of an early start to treatment and whether gluten, sugar and mobile phones can cause autism.

Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi