Duke Medicine: The genetics of autism

Parents frequently ask about what causes autism. Little is known about the causes, but geneticists are beginning to understand some of the reasons kids develop autism.

Posted 12:23 a.m. May 31, 2011 — Updated 12:23 a.m. May 31, 2011

Duke Medicine

Autism is the name given to a group of developmental brain disorders that are characterized by poor social interaction and communication and by restricted or repetitive behavior. These signs appear before a child is three years old.

Parents frequently ask about what causes autism. Little is known about the causes, but geneticists are beginning to understand some of the reasons kids develop autism.

For many children with autism, we do not know the cause. However, for some children, autism is caused by a change in their genetic information or DNA.

To read about the genetics of autism, read the full post on DukeHealth.org where Dr. Yong-hiu Jiang, who specializes in pediatric medical genetics, answers frequently asked questions parents often have about the link between genetics and autism.

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