Over 1,000 genes are implicated
in autism, an international study including a Turin university
and hospital and the university of Siena has shown.
The study ws conducted on some 35,000 people by the bodies,
including Turin's Città della Salute Hospital.
The study was published in the journal Cell.
The data "is just the tip of the iceberg" said Alfredo Brusco
of the Città della Salute Hospital.
"We are working," he said, "on new genes associated with the
autistic spectrum disorder, which we are actively studying at
the medical science departments of the university and the
hospital."
He said "the majority of these heterogeneous diseases are
probably associated with various variants in genes that are
important for neurological development, and which become
pathologies when combined together".
Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by
difficulties with social interaction and communication, and by
restricted and repetitive behavior.
Parents often notice signs during the first three years of
their child's life.
These signs often develop gradually, though some children
with autism experience worsening in their communication and
social skills after reaching developmental milestones at a
normal pace.
Autism is associated with a combination of genetic and
environmental factors.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
