Autism attributed to genetic influence in most cases

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autism

Autism is mostly genetic in origin, a new study by researchers from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London claims.

In the study of 516 twins, conducted by the Medical Research Council, it has been found that genetic make-up caused Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in almost around 74 percent to 98 percent of the cases.

The study found that rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) were higher in identical twins who share the same DNA. Genetic risk factors for ASD were also found to overlap with genes that influence less extreme autistic traits seen in the general population.

Researchers analysed data from the population-based Twins Early Development Study (Teds), funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC).

Lead author Beata Tick said “Our main finding was that the heritability of ASD was high. These results further demonstrate the importance of genetic effects on ASD, despite the dramatic increase in prevalence of the disorder over the last 20 years.

“They also confirm that genetic factors lead to a variety of autistic skills and behaviours across the general population.”

However, the researchers could not rule out the impact of environmental factors completely.

Researcher Dr Francesca Happe said “Our findings suggest environmental factors are smaller, which is important because some parents are concerned whether things like high pollution might be causing autism.

“Some people think there might be a big environmental component because autism has become more common in recent years but that’s happened too fast for genetics to be a probable cause.

“The main consensus now is that the rise in diagnosis has more to do with increased awareness of the condition.”

The study appears in the journal JAMA Psychiatry.

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