Autism Genetics: What Do We Know?

Abstract

With autism there are so many questions. Researchers, educators, family members, and individuals with autism ask questions about the disorder. What causes the disorder? What are the outcomes? What does an autism diagnosis mean in terms of quality of life? Along with these practical questions, most individuals and families will also ask, “Why?” Why does one person have autism and not another? We are fortunate to be living in the 21st century where many elite researchers have developed answers to these questions and even answers, “Why?” In fact, many researchers are beginning to identify that there is a genetic component to autism. The following chapter will discuss a brief overview of critical historical research studies illuminating the relationship between autism and genetics.