Re: Genetic-Physical Causes Of Autism

[Guest guest]

There was an article last month reporting that 2 genes were found that

were most likely related to autism. It also mentions head size and

correlation with behavior problems. It was from Health Day News on

Medline Plus. The link in my previous post about GI problems and autism

genes should get you to the correct site, then you just have to search

the recent autism articles. Just in case you are interested!

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> I just thought this was kind of interesting. I was looking things up

because we're going to have some blood work/genetic testing done soon.

The following quote is from the link below.

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> http://www.fragilex.org/html/autism.htm

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> How do the Behaviors Seen in Persons with Fragile X Relate to Those

Seen in Autism?

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> Many parents are confused about their child's diagnosis. On the one

hand, they've been told that their child has autism, " autistic spectrum

disorder, " or some degree of autistic-like characteristics. In addition,

they may have also been told that their child has fragile X syndrome or

that he or she is going to be tested for fragile X.

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> The association between autism and fragile X was first reported by

Brown et al. (1982) and was subsequently confirmed by many others

leading to an extensive field of research. In discussing this

association it is important to remember that autism is defined

behaviorally using the criteria of the DSM IV manual which include lack

of social reciprocity or responsiveness, abnormal use of language and

communication, and a restricted repertoire of activities and interests.

Autism is a heterogenous disorder which means that there are several

known causes of autism including phenylketonuria (PKU), tuberous

sclerosis and 15q duplications. However fragile X is the most common

known cause of autism so far identified. Autism is strongly genetic and

it is likely that the inheritance of multiple genes predisposing an

individual to autism is necessary in many cases for the full behavioral

syndrome to be manifested.

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> Ruth

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