Your Genes Determine Whether You Get ADHD or Autism
Published: 2022-10-04
Author: Professor Anders Børglum, Aarhus University, Department of Biomedicine. | Contact: international.au.dk
Peer-Reviewed Publication: Yes
Jump to: Definition: Autism Spectrum Disorders | Main Digest | Publications
Synopsis: There is a significant overlap between genetic causes of autism and ADHD. Gene variants that increase the risk of developing only one of the diagnoses and not the other have now been discovered. Researchers have identified seven genetic variants common to autism and ADHD and five gene variants specific to only one of the two diagnoses. The study is the first to show that people with ADHD and autism are double-burdened with a genetic risk of receiving both diagnoses. In contrast, people who only have one of the diagnoses, for the most part, only bear the genetic risk variants for this condition.
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Definition
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. Other causes are not yet known. People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most others. ASD begins before the age of 3 years and can [...]