New Studies Links 2 Defects to Autism

Researchers this week identified two separate genetic defects linked to autism, one that directly causes the disorder in about 1% of all cases and a second that may play a role in a much larger percentage of patients by increasing their susceptibility to environmental or other genetic influences.

The findings offer hope that it may be possible to identify vulnerable children early in life and begin treatment to mitigate the effects of the disabling disorder, which is marked by poor language ability and strong social isolation. Autism now affects one in every 150 U.S. children.

source: LA Times