Genetic Causes of Autism

From LoveToKnow Autism

Definitive genetic causes of autism spectrum disorders have been elusive to researchers in all but a small portion of the known cases. However, each new round of research yields more clues to the puzzle as researchers strive to find out why autism happens and how it can be either cured or prevented.

Genetic Causes of Autism

Facts

Among the pervasive developmental disorders classified on the autism spectrum are several that are known to be hereditary causes of autism, accounting for approximately 10 percent of reported cases. These include Phenylketonuria,Williams Syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis, and Fragile X syndrome. While it is virtually certain that there are genetic components in play in the remaining ninety percent of cases that are yet to be explained, scientists have been unable to isolate a specific gene as the culprit. What is known is that autism affects some families in disproportionate numbers. Siblings of individuals with autism are at a significantly higher risk of developing the disorder. This is especially true of twins, who often share some of the traits of ASD.

Theories

While the genetic predisposition to autism spectrum disorders is highly probable, it has yet to be proven as absolute fact. Making the task of proving this prominent theory more difficult are the widely varied symptoms of autism from one affected person to another. This variation leads scientists to conclude that there may be an equally varied range of genetic issues involved in causing autism spectrum disorders.

Environmental factors are being studied as a trigger for autism. Many scientists theorize that pollutants in the environment may interact with genetic weaknesses to trigger ASD. Others advance the theory that genetic differences in some children prevent them from expelling environmental toxins from the body as the average person does, allowing them to build up to harmful levels, triggering the symptoms of ASD.

Research

One recent study supports the theory of an environmental connection to the autism epidemic. Done by the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, this study compared school district data to industrial mercury release data, with results showing a statistically significant association between ASD risk and proximity to a mercury source.

Spontaneous gene mutations have been found to be present in some cases of ASD. These genetic abnormalities occur during gestation rather than being inherited from parents. According to the American Public Health Association, tiny, spontaneous gene mutations may pose more of a risk for ASD than previously thought. A study funded in part by the National Institute of Mental Health states that these spontaneous mutations are 10 times more likely to be found in autistic individuals than in the general public.

Slow and Steady Progress

Of course, there are countless other research projects underway to narrow down the causes of autism. While the ultimate result of a cure is not yet within grasp, each of these endeavors adds a bit more knowledge on the mechanics of autism. Also, the drive to find a cure has yielded a great deal of information that has improved treatments and therapy options, advances that have changed many lives for the better.

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