Autism and genetics
There is ongoing research as to the genetic versusenvironmental causes of autism.
One in 166 children is diagnosed with some form of
autism; parents and researchers alike are striving
for answers as to how this condition comes to be.
Genetic origin is one of the hypotheses that are
out there as to how children get autism.
In fact, there is genetic research on autism done
in several research centres throughout the world.
So far, several genes have been found to be suspect
in cases of autism but no single gene has emerged
as the culprit.
Researchers believe there may be several genes
that are abnormal and that lead to the syndrome
we know as autism.
Researchers do know, however, that autism is not
just directly handed down from parent to child in
a linear fashion like blue eyes or blonde hair.
The genetics are more complicated than that.
Another clue as to the hereditary basis of autism
is the fact that siblings of autistic children have
a higher risk of autism than the general population.
In fact, it is estimated that 10 percent of siblings
of autistic children also have autistic traits.
Twin studies show an increase in autism among both
pairs of identical twins as you would find in the
general population.
There used to be a great deal of speculation about
autism and things like vaccinations.
No vaccination or any other environmental aspect
has been found to be linked to autism.
Autism also seems to affect other populations than
just Western populations.
This means that Western issues like environmental
toxins are not likely causes of the disorder.
At some point, researchers will find out the
genetic basis behind autism.
If they find that the gene or genes code for
specific proteins that are lacking in autistic
children, there may be gene therapy or
protein-replacement therapy that can help these
children.
Researchers just haven’t got that far yet!
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