Autism Is Not a Single Condition and Has No Single Cause, Scientists Conclude
Groundbreaking research from the University of Cambridge suggests autism is likely not a single, unified condition, but rather encompasses a range of distinct presentations with differing origins. A new study reveals significant genetic and developmental differences between individuals diagnosed with autism in early childhood versus those diagnosed later in life.
The research, published last week in the journal Nature, analyzed data from over 45,000 autistic individuals across diverse cohorts in Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.Researchers linked genetic information to the age at which individuals received their autism diagnosis, uncovering a striking divergence between the two groups - with only a slight overlap in genetic profiles.
The study found that children diagnosed before the age of six typically exhibited early-onset behavioral difficulties, particularly in social interaction. Conversely, those diagnosed after the age of ten were more likely to experience social and behavioral challenges during adolescence, alongside a higher predisposition to mental health conditions like depression.
Notably, the genetic profile of individuals diagnosed later in life more closely resembled those with ADHD and conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder than the genetic profiles of those with “classic” autism identified in early childhood. this suggests a potential overlap in underlying biological factors with other neurodevelopmental conditions.
“for the first time, we have found that earlier and later diagnosed autism have different underlying biological and developmental profiles,” explained Varun Warrier, a researcher in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge and lead author of the paper, in a press statement. “The term ‘autism’ likely describes multiple conditions.”
The findings indicate that the timing of an autism diagnosis isn’t arbitrary, but rather reflects underlying genetic differences that, in certain specific cases, correlate with risks for other conditions. This research underscores the complexity of autism and highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of it’s diverse presentations and causes.
