Autism in Genetics

Author: mom_to_one, 02 13th, 2009
Autism in Genetics

There are various different opinions about the causes of autism and the best kinds of treatment, but one truth is assured, autism is genetic.  Siblings of autistic children are more than fifty times more likely to show signs of autism or Asperger’s syndrome (a mild form of autism).  Scientists have estimated there are between 3 and 20 different genes that contribute to increased risk for autism.  While it’s more difficult to predict risk for autism prior to it being recognized in a child, parents should be aware that having more children after having a child diagnosed with autism poses a risk. 

It’s a good idea to browse through the articles on autism from various publications before having children, and identify whether your child’s risk for autism before conception.  Autism runs in some families, and medical professionals can often identify risk based on genetic heritage; those families with no history of autism will have an obvious decreased risk, but this is not the only contributing factor. 


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