Mutations Appearing in a Child but Neither Parent Can Be Important in Autism (IMAGE)

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Mutations Appearing in a Child but Neither Parent Can Be Important in Autism

Caption

Mutations that appear in a child which are not present in either parent -- called de novo mutations -- can be important in autism. Severe, gene-disrupting de novo mutations are thought to be capable of causing the disorder in certain instances. New research shows that diminished motor skills, like low non-verbal IQ, correlate with the severity of de novo mutations. More broadly the study calls attention to role played by genetics in diminished cognitive functions in children across the autism spectrum.

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Dept. of Public Affairs, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

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