There have been several studies that recently came out that discuss how genes have played a part in autism. Genes being a factor, or THE factor, in having autism is certainly not “new” news – researchers are finding more and more information every day. But is it truly the sole “cause” of autism? (Yes, yes…one of the much-heated debates)

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia recently announced the findings of two related studies. One study, according to their report, pinpoints a gene region that may account for as many as 15% of autism cases, while the other study identifies missing or duplicated stretches of DNA along two gene pathways.

Why the study findings are significant, according to study leader Hakon Hakonarson, M.D., Ph.D., director Center for Applied Genomics at CHOP, is “because other autism researchers have made intriguing suggestions that autism arises from abnormal connections among brain cells during early development, it is very compelling to find evidence that mutations in genes involved in brain interconnections increase a child's risk of autism.”

Separately, another study came out that identified CACNA1G, also known as the autism-risk gene, which is more common in boys than in girls. This could ultimately explain why autism affects boys four times more often than girls.

With this type of research and findings, could this be a true indicator that we’ve now pinpointed the cause of autism?

Best,
Jenifer