How Much Of A Role Do Genetics Play In Autism?

First Posted: Mar 05, 2015 11:47 PM EST
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Previous studies have linked an increased risk of the behavioral health issue, Autism, to numerous environmental health conditions. However, a recent study links genetic makeup to 74 to 98 percent of cases.

A Medical Research Council study of 516 twins indicates a high probability of a genetic link, though environmental factors cannot be ruled out, all together, according to the study authors. 

Researchers at King's College London found that 181 of the teenagers had autism, but this rate was far higher among identical twins who share the same DNA.

Researchers believe that the study results could lead to more precise diagnoses and treatments for patients dealing with the behavioral health issue, which can be particularly difficult to diagnose early on.

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

However, there is still much more to learn about Autism and certain Autistic traits, including the genes involved in the health issue.

"There may be perhaps hundreds of genes that contribute to autistic traits," Dr. Happe added.

Dr. Judith Brown, of the National Autistic Society, said: "Autism is a highly complex story of genes not only interacting with other genes, but with non-genetic factors too."

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal JAMA Psychiatry.

Statistics show that about 1 in 68 children in the United States will deal with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The numbers in the UK are about 1 in 100.

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