Eighteen genes appear to be associated with autism, reported.
The genome-wide association study led by , of Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children, and colleagues, adds to the growing literature lending autism to a genetic cause, rather than environmental. The study assessed over 5,000 participants, many from the same families with a child previously diagnosed with autism. The identified genes, leading to an average of 73 unique genetic mutations, are said to affect communication between brain cells.
The researchers note this breakthrough in autism research will be helpful for future treatment including pharmaceutical therapies.