2007-04-23 12:42:41 · 3 answers · asked by Justin S 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Many professionals (such as Geraldien Dawson, PhD & S. Ozzonoff, PhD of the M.I.N.D. institute) believe more than one gene is involved. They believe at least 5 genes "collide" to create the vulnerability for autism.
"There might be six or more genes that have to come together in one individual in the right form to lead to autism,"
http://faculty.washington.edu/dawson/CurrentResearchActivities/Genetic.html
Also, autism is not entirely genetic. My niece is autistic. If she had a fraternal twin (different genes) that twin would be no more likely to be autistic than a sibling born at any other time. But if she had an identical twin (same genes) the odds would be as much as 95% that this twin would be autistic. That clearly points to genetics. BUT it's not 100%, and the level of autism might be substantially different. (one high-functioning & one low-functioning). So there is clearly another factor than genetics.
2007-04-23 18:14:35 · answer #1 · answered by Smart Kat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There has been several studies done indicating that Autism may be genetic.
If this is true then obviously it would be passed on to the next generation by genes.
2007-04-25 10:23:46 · answer #2 · answered by Q. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is thought to be link called a "hot spot" in chromosomes, particularily 7q. Since chromosomes are comprized of DNA, and DNA is passed down, autism would then be encoded on DNA.
2007-04-23 19:46:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋