Biostatistics Approach to Genetics Yields New Clues to Roots of Autism

Researchers at The Rockefeller University have recently developed a new statistical method for genetic screening, which takes advantage of recent increases in technology. Applying the technology to autism, the researchers identified several genetic variations likely linked to autism that were not previously considered to be related to the underlying pathology of neuronal development that may be at the root of the disorder. Researchers used a multivariate approach to analyze the data from one of the largest studies of autism in the country, containing genome sequences of approximately 2,700 individuals. Findings suggest that beginning treatment in infants when the first symptoms arise (around the age of 12 months), could change the course of the disorder. This has the potential to prevent permanent symptoms of autism from cementing in the brain — which occurs during the first two years of life. To read more about this study, click here.