Jay Gargus

Autism: A Genetic Perspective is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Jay Gargus, Professor of Physiology, Biophysics and Pediatrics and Director of the Center for Autism Research and Translation at UC Irvine. This wide-ranging conversation examines the recent explosion in our genetic understanding and its implications for the future of medicine, together with the importance of understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms in order to successfully treat a wide range of genetic disorders.

Jay Gargus focuses on autism research, dispelling myths associated with the condition, advocating why a treatment should be actively pursued, and illustrating what we can learn from the recent breakthrough in cystic fibrosis research.

This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Machine Repair, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:

  1. The Lure of Genetics – Where the action was—and still is
  2. Genetics 101 – A basic overview
  3. Towards Disease – Intervening in metabolic pathways
  4. Autism – Myths, current understanding and challenges
  5. Pathways and Pleiotropy – Searching for mechanisms
  6. Reasons for Optimism – Streamlined bureaucracy and bold prognostications


Available in electronic format on all major booksellers, including:



Autism: A Genetic Perspective is also part of the five-part Ideas Roadshow CollectionConversations About Biology, which is available in paperback, hardcover and electronic format.