Autism, ADHD Share Genetic Similarities

A new study from Canada linking Autism and ADHD is garnering attention here in the U.S.

TORONTO, Canda -- Similar genetic changes found in some people with ADHD and in some with autism may help explain why children with the hyperactivity disorder often have symptoms of other developmental disorders, a new study reports.

The study identified several genetic changes that are present in a small portion of both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients and autism patients, and that are absent in people without these disorders.

Autism and Genetics

LOS ANGELES -- Autism is an environmental illness -- at least in some cases. Just as lead paint chips can cause learning disabilities and radon in the basement can cause lung cancer, certain chemicals and other outside influences seem to help set autism in motion.

But autism is also a genetic disease. It definitely runs in families, and scientists have identified several specific genes that put kids at risk.

Scientists are trying to understand this complicated push and pull that molds a growing brain. A new study of twins published in the Archives of General Psychiatry makes a case that the disease is about 60% environmental and 40% genetic. Other experts quickly disputed the finding, claiming that genes are the biggest driver of autism.

Study: Environment May be Just as Important as Genes in Autism

This story keeps providing more hope for families who have a young or adult child on the spectrum. Realize I posted something yesterday, but this warrants additional mentions. Let us know your thoughts.

Autism is undeniably influenced by genes, but a new study suggests that environmental factors may also contribute significantly — more than researchers previously thought — to the developmental disorder. In fact, environmental factors may play at least as big a role as genes in causing autism.
Dr. Joachim Hallmayer, a psychiatrist at the Stanford University School of Medicine, and his team report online in the Archives of General Psychiatry that shared environmental influences may account for as much as 55% of autism risk, while less than 40% can be attributed to genes.
The study modeled risk, but did not specify which environmental factors were at play. But other research has implicated increasing maternal and paternal age, low birth weight, multiple pregnancies and any medications or infections to which an expectant mom is exposed during pregnancy.

Researcher Seeks Genetic Answer to Autism

PROVIDENCE, R.I.-- Three papers published recently in the journal Neuron shed new light on the genetic roots of autism. Dr. Eric M. Morrow, a Brown University professor of biology and psychiatry and director of the Developmental Disorders Research Program, participated in the research.

As part of an occasional series on local researchers, Journal Medical Writer Felice J. Freyer last week talked with Morrow about the Neuron papers and his work at Brown. Below are condensed and edited excerpts of their conversation.

What was learned from the study published in Neuron?

This study could contribute to our understanding of what causes autism and potentially even be used in diagnosis and treatment based on the genetic findings.

New Clues to Genetic Root of Autism

Random changes in genes, rather than changes handed down from parents, may be responsible for some cases of autism, say scientists who report in three new papers a major breakthrough in understanding where those genetic changes may lie.
The findings suggest that autism is a genetically complex disorder, involving perhaps hundreds of spontaneous changes in genes. The discoveries should help researchers gain a better understanding of the biology of the disorder and find targets for better treatments. It's latest in a steady stream of good news from autism researchers recently, who have reported on innovative ways to diagnose the disorder earlier and on new genes that contribute to it.