Six Genes Linked to Autism

Six new genes associated with autism, a developmental disorder characterized by severe impairment of social skills and communication skills, have been identified by Harvard researchers studying more than 100 families with a high incidence of the disorder. The genetic mutations appear to disrupt the action of genes vital to the developing brain, turning them off and preventing the refinement of neural connections in response to early experiences. It appears that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of the disorder. Because many of the affected genes are simply inactive and not deleted, researchers are hopeful that treatments to reactivate the genes will one day be developed.