Autism and Genetics

							Right now, genetics seem the only real connection for a cause and effect
in regards to autism. Genetic research is being done right now and the
call for research from the National Autistic Society is desperate. They
are willing to look at any research in the realm of genetics and autism
and will help correlate future research with what they have in their
archives now. There are some promising breakthroughs but there is not
enough evidence to support a grounded theory. The only general theme that
has been found is that there is a genetic link between close relatives
and the sufferers of autism.

The search for the specific gene that causes this link is not under
study. The Collaborative Autism Project and the International Genetic
Study have been studying chromosomes that might have an influence on
whether a child is autistic or not. This sounds difficult, but
researchers are not even sure that it is just one gene that causes
autism. If more than one gene affects autism outcomes, then even though
the chance of finding one of those genes is statistically greater, the
excitement and following research may ignore the others. Both research
facilities have come to one conclusion but it is a weak one at best. They
believe that the gene might be found in chromosome 7 of our genetic
makeup. This means they have found a possible haystack and now they have
to look for the needle.



Dr. Michael Dougherty of the American Institute of Biological Sciences
argues the pure genetic cause theory. He thinks that there is a
combination between both genetics and environmental factors. This could
be true because outside environmental changes affect both phenotypical
and genotypical characteristics of an organism. He believes that
chromosome 12 is the main culprit to the genetic side of autism. If a
child receives two mutated copies of this chromosome the amino acids that
are a part of food proteins cannot be broken down. This would lead to a
mutation in the development of the brain and particularly the part of the
brain that controls communication and social skills. He adds that the
presence of phenylketonuria may call another malfunction of the brain
that produces behavior that will be diagnosed as autism. Since the PKU
can be detected at birth and when detected, a special diet thwarts the
negative side effects; both PKU and genetics have duel roles in the
creation of autism.



The collaboration to find data and share research on autism is still in
its infancy. The collaboration process between researchers only began in
1996. This means only a decade has been dedicated to finding the source
of the disorder. The gene mapping projects that have fascinated
researchers for years have yielded results to the cause and some cures of
many diseases since it has begun. This give hopes to people who have
autistic children and also hope to prospective parents who think that
might be predisposed to the gene. Remember though, if the gene is found
it is only a step to the cure. The gene's discovery will only allow the
medical community to let parents know they have a predisposition before
pregnancy and once pregnant the disorder has a good chance of occurring.
Only time and patience will be needed to find both the cause and the cure
of this disturbing disorder. All the parents can do for their child that
has the disorder is to love them and give them the quality of life that
they deserve. As with all diseases, autism will someday be a thing of the
past.

For info on autism symptoms and what is autism, visit the Autism
Diagnosis website.