This research supports my theory that "autism spectrum disorders" are going to be divided up into different diagnostic categories in the future. – Ilene
Searching for links between genetic irregularities and abnormal motor control and/or learning disabilities, the study authors focused on so-called CNVs — "copy number variations" — that occur when the number of copies of a particular gene varies from one individual to the next. These CNVs accounted for relatively big chunks of the genetic mutations, the researchers said.
The gene sets of CNVs, they noted, are comprised of more DNA structure than simple individual "snips" of DNA. These CNV gene sets have previously been associated with a range of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
In all, about 800 CNVs were identified as exclusive to autistic children. In addition, the CNVs in question tended to be found in genes central to the impaired biological functions that show up in autistic behavior, such as those involving synapse function, nerve cell communication, and brain development, the CHOP researchers said.
"This suggested to us that there may be many different — possibly even hundreds — of genetic paths to autism, with only a few gene alterations relevant to each individual patient," White said. "But if those hundreds of genes have similar roles in the nervous system, the end result may lead to the same diagnosis: an autism spectrum disorder."
(Many of those genes may not have similar roles – which may help explain why autism is a "spectrum" and individuals said to be on it can be so different that it does not appear they have the same syndrome or disorder at all. – Ilene)
Full article here: Scientists Link ‘Sets’ of Genetic Abnormalities to Autism Risk.
