Autism is a condition that makes it hard for some people to talk, make friends, and do the same things over and over again. Scientists are trying to figure out why some people have autism, and they think genes might be part of the reason.
They’ve found out new things about how genes can affect autism. This article will talk about what they’ve learned by doing the latest autism research and how it can help people with autism get better.
The Link Between Genetics and Autism
Autism is a condition that can make it difficult for people to communicate and behave in certain ways. Our genes, which are like instructions that make us who we are, can play a big role in causing autism.
Studies have shown that genes are responsible for about 40% to 80% of the risk of developing autism. This means that if someone has certain genes, they may be more likely to have autism.
The Role of Specific Genes in the Development of Autism
Scientists are still trying to figure out exactly what causes autism, but they have found some specific genes that can make someone more likely to have it.
These genes are like little pieces of information that help make us who we are. Some of the genes that are linked to autism are called SHANK3, CHD8, and TSC2.
The Effects of Genetic Variations on Autism
Other genes like EN2, RELN, and MET can be related to autism too.
When we talk about genes, we mean the instructions in our bodies that make us who we are. If these instructions are different or changed, it can affect how our body works.
Some genes are related to autism. Changes in these genes can affect how the brain works and lead to autism.
For example, changes in the SHANK3 gene can cause problems with how brain cells communicate with each other, which can cause autism symptoms.
Latest Research on Genetics and Autism
Scientists have been studying the genes of people with autism and their families. They found 60 genes that are linked to autism, including 5 that were not known before.
This is the biggest study yet on the different kinds of genes that might cause autism or other developmental problems. A study led by SickKids has sequenced the entire DNA of over 11,000 people with autism and found 134 genes that might be connected to the condition.
They also found other genetic changes. The latest research by Spectrum News looked at the entire DNA of people with autism and found 67 new genes that might be linked to the condition.
This helps scientists understand more about how genes can cause autism and what other genes might be involved.
Implications and Future Directions
Scientists have been studying the genes of people with autism and their families to learn more about what causes autism. This can help in a few ways.
- It can help doctors detect autism early so kids can get help sooner. This helps them do better in life.
- It can also help doctors make treatments that are more personalized and work better based on a kid’s genes.
- It may help scientists understand what is happening in the brain of someone with autism, which can lead to new treatments in the future.
Scientists want to use what they learn about the genes that cause autism to make tests that can help doctors detect it early.
They also want to study how different parts of the brain work in people with autism so they can make better treatments. And they want to understand doing latest autism spectrum disorder research how kids with autism think and feel so they can help them in school and in life.
