Genetic and Environmental Studies

It is known that ASDs are highly genetic - meaning that much of the susceptibility to ASD lies in our genes. This is important for a few reasons. First, by identifying the genetic factors relating to ASDs, we will the gain a better understanding of how differences in brain development occur and how to ensure optimal development.

For example, for those individuals who are non-verbal, or who struggle to understand other people or who struggle to make themselves understood, knowledge about genes that are involved in brain development may lead to alternative treatments that will provide the gift of communication. In some cases, it may be that diet affects outcome, such as in the case of PKU or that specific educational strategies help in learning, as in the case of fragile X syndrome.

Genetic Study

Despite a large number of studies trying to identify genes important in autism, none have been conclusively identified to date, although there have been promising findings. We believe that part of the problem is that thousands are families need to be studied and that there is a need to subgroup families according to similar characteristics.

Environmental Factors

Although genes appear to play an important role in the expression of ASDs, it is clear that some of the variation that we see among individuals must be due to environmental factors. These may be as broad as factors within our general environment (for example, exposures to specific chemicals) or they may reflect different experiences (for example, learning to play the piano).

___