Genetic Mutation Linked to Autism

Researchers have long suspected that genetics plays a role in autism, observing that many families have multiple children with the disorder, and have now identified a rare chromosomal defect that accounts for 1% of all autism cases. They found that a chromosomal segment which contains genes related to brain development was frequently missing or duplicated in autistic people. While in some cases this defect is inherited, it is more often the result of a random genetic mutation. Until now, about 10% of autism cases have been attributed to known causes like Fragile X syndrome or congenital rubella. This new discovery leaves another 89% of cases to be explained.