New genetic clues to autism

Genetic data is helping to identify new gene mutations that may cause autism, according to new research. The data – collected by teams at Great Ormond Street Hospital and its research partner the UCL Institute of Child Health – has been collected by studying DNA samples from children with autism and their parents. The study shows that while many of these new mutations occur only in children with the disorder, a significant number occur in both children and their parents. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental disability that affects around 700,000 people in the UK and influences how