Genetics of autism spectrum disorders

Zhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban. 2011 Aug;36(8):703-11. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-7347.2011.08.001.

Abstract

Autism is a group of etiology and clinical heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders with an onset before 3 years old. It has 3 core characteristics: deficits in verbal communication; impairment of social interaction; restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. The incidence is increasing over time worldwide. Twin and family studies have demonstrated that autism has a high heritability (>90%). Although certain progress of autism genetic study has been made in the last decades and several autism susceptibility genes and loci have been identified, there are still about 70%-80% of patients for whom an autism-related genetic change cannot be identified.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder / genetics*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Epigenomics*
  • Genetic Heterogeneity*
  • Humans
  • Infant