Scientists Discover Genetic Link to Autism

The latest result from the Autism Genome Project--a collaboration between more than 120 scientists from 19 countries--is said to be an important step forward.

The study looked at 1,168 families in which two or more members were affected by autism. It found that a previously unidentified region of chromosome 11 may be linked to the disorder. The research, published in the journal Nature Genetics, also revealed a gene called neurexin 1 could be implicated.

The researchers said their findings add to the evidence that tiny, rare variations in genes may heighten the risk for autism-spectrum disorders.

From Scotsman