New Research Links Genetic Factors & Traits to Autism diagnosis timing
LONDON – A large-scale genetic study published this week suggests that both inherited genetic factors and the specific traits they influence play a significant role in determining when a person is diagnosed with autism.The research, led by Varun Warrier, indicates that individuals diagnosed at younger ages tend to exhibit more pronounced developmental and genetic differences compared to those diagnosed later in life, sometimes not until adolescence or adulthood.
The study, detailed in Nature, analyzed data from hundreds of thousands of individuals and found that while autism is highly heritable – estimated at around 80% – it doesn’t manifest as two distinct categories. “What we are looking at are the averages underlying these groups,” Warrier explained, emphasizing the spectrum of autistic experiences. He also cautioned that access to healthcare remains a crucial factor, as delays in diagnosis can significantly impact when an individual receives support.
Researchers incorporated data on nearly 240 characteristics of autism, including behavioral traits, in one study this year, according to Natalie Sauerwald of the Flatiron Institute in New York City. “It’s not exactly a two-question questionnaire,” she noted, highlighting the complexity of unraveling the genetics of autism.
The findings could pave the way for improved diagnostic tools and more personalized support for autistic individuals. “The more you understand about a condition and what gives rise to the risk for it, the better your understanding of how to diagnose it and how to treat it,” said Elliot Tucker-Drob, a developmental psychologist at the university of Texas at Austin.
Autism is a complex condition impacting brain advancement, often characterized by repetitive behaviors and challenges with social interaction. Despite recent claims to the contrary - including those made by US health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – researchers emphasize there is no single cause of autism. The condition’s diverse genetic factors and the traits they influence present a significant challenge to researchers.
Warrier’s team initially sought to understand why diagnosis times vary so widely. While social factors like stigma and access to care contribute, the study suggests that the intensity of autistic traits also plays a key role in earlier identification.
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