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Study Finds Mutated Genes Raise Autism Risk

Could be 'tip of the iceberg' of gene flaws linked to disorder

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 10, 2008 3:50 AM CST
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(Newser) – Researchers studying the DNA of autistic children have discovered a pair of genetic mutations that raise the risk of developing autism as high as a hundredfold, USA Today reports. The defects in chromosome 16 occur in just 1% of autistic kids, but that figure represents some 10,000 children. A test has been developed to identify the mutations, which may be "the tip of the iceberg" of genetic aberrations linked to autism, said one expert.

The discovery weakens the argument that rising rates of autism are caused by vaccines.  "If we can identify children at risk for autism very early, we have the chance to intervene early while the brain is still developing," a doctor said.

Tamie Day watches her autistic son, Jacob, 3, try to write the letters of the alphabet, as her daughter, Natalie , 20 months, plays in their home in Antelope, Calif., Tuesday, April 24, 2007. At 18 months old, Jacob was formally diagnosed with autism, about a year earlier than usual. Before...
Tamie Day watches her autistic son, Jacob, 3, try to write the letters of the alphabet, as her daughter, Natalie , 20 months, plays in their home in Antelope, Calif., Tuesday, April 24, 2007. At 18 months...   (Associated Press)
Jonathan Cooper, 3 1/2 years old and autistic, reads aloud in his room with his mother, Donna, at their home in Orlando, Florida. Scientists have discovered a mutation that hugely increase the risk of developing autism.
Jonathan Cooper, 3 1/2 years old and autistic, reads aloud in his room with his mother, Donna, at their home in Orlando, Florida. Scientists have discovered a mutation that hugely increase the risk of...   (KRT Photos)
Jonathan Cooper, 3 1/2, reads aloud in his room with his mother, Donna, at their home in Orlando, Florida, November 18, 2005. Jonathan, who is autistic, is now talkative and reads at an advanced level
Jonathan Cooper, 3 1/2, reads aloud in his room with his mother, Donna, at their home in Orlando, Florida, November 18, 2005. Jonathan, who is autistic, is now talkative and reads at an advanced level   (KRT Photos)
Ryan Massey, 11, plays with some action figures while in his bedroom, Monday, Oct. 8, 2007, in Dacula, Ga. Ryan is the youngest of three brothers in his family, all of whom have aspergers syndrome, which is a milder variant of autistic disorder. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Ryan Massey, 11, plays with some action figures while in his bedroom, Monday, Oct. 8, 2007, in Dacula, Ga. Ryan is the youngest of three brothers in his family, all of whom have aspergers syndrome, which...   (Associated Press)
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Genetics can help explain autism
ABC News

No link between vaccine ingredient and autism found
San Francisco Chronicle

Gene tinkering helps autistic miceâ??people next?
MSNBC

 
autism • DNA • vaccine • medical research • genetic mutation • genes • genetic research

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