Abstract

ALISON MCINNES, L.. A overview of the genetics os Autism. Rev. Asoc. Esp. Neuropsiq. [online]. 2002, n.84, pp.13-24. ISSN 2340-2733.

Autism is a severe, neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairment in social interaction and communication, and by restricted, repetitive and obsessive patterns of behavior. The disorder affects males more fredquently than females and autistic subjects frequently exhibit reduced I.Q.S. Recent estimates of the prevalence of autism in California show that it is increasing. Investigators are looking into the possible genetic and environmental causes of autism. As the disorder is the most heritable psychiatric illness, investigators are making progress isolating susceptibility genes although no environmental factors predisposing to autism have yet been definitely confirmed. In this review I will discuss recent epidemiological findings and the results of current genetic studies.

Keywords : autism; epidemiology; increased prevalence; genetic studies.

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