Autism's Genetic Architecture (IMAGE) NIH/National Institute of Mental Health Caption The bulk of risk, or liability, for autism spectrum disorders was traced to inherited variations in the genetic code shared by many people. These and other (unaccounted) factors dwarfed contributions from rare inherited, non-additive and spontaneous (de novo) genetic factors Credit Population-Based Autism Genetics and Environment Study Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.