Genomic strategies to untangle the etiology of autism: A primer

Autism Res. 2023 Jan;16(1):31-39. doi: 10.1002/aur.2844. Epub 2022 Nov 22.

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in communication, diminished social skills, and restrictive and repetitive behaviors and interests. ASD affects approximately 2.3% of the population and is highly heterogeneous, both phenotypically and genetically. As genomic technologies advance, our understanding of the genetic architecture of ASD is becoming clearer, encompassing spontaneous and inherited alterations throughout the genome, and delineating alterations that are either rare or common in the population. This commentary provides an overview of the genomic strategies and resulting major findings of genetic alterations associated with ASD.

Keywords: autism spectrum disorder; genetic mechanisms; genomics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder* / genetics
  • Autistic Disorder* / genetics
  • Causality
  • Genomics
  • Humans
  • Mutation