New Information Discovered Regarding Autism & Genetics

Autism is a disorder which is part of a spectrum of disorders of the brain.  It is a congenital mental disorder that affects about 1 of every 150 children born in the United States, and can affect children with any IQ, whether high or low, but usually affects more children in combination with mental retardation.  Autism affects a child’s socialization and communication and is usually discovered by age two or three in most children.

Autism has usually been blamed on many things including bad reactions to immunizations, however more recent studies have confirmed that it is most likely a genetic disorder.  How the genetic mutations work to disrupt the brain is not totally understood.

The newest information regarding autism has been discovered by studying 100 families with a high incidence of autism.  Researchers found that there are at least 6 genes that contribute to or cause autism.  They have determined that autism is not just a simple disorder, and that it can be caused by genetic factors, environmental factors or a combination of both.  There appear to be many different genetic mutations involved with each family having different and distinct mutations.

The study is groundbreaking in that it changes previous thinking that autism is usually caused by just a few genetic mutations.  Because of the study researchers now feel that there are unique causes to autism and depending on the cause, autism can be treated in many cases.  In fact, researchers now feel that if they can isolate and figure out how to compensate for some of the deficiencies with medication or behavioral therapy and treatment, doctors may be able to help the brain develop more normally in the future.

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