Autism Linked to Smart Parents

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Smart Parents more likely to have Autistic Children – Genetic Link with Analytical Minds and Autism

January 31st 2006


Einstein

In an article published in the Archives of Disease of Childhood, Professor Baron-Cohen claims that children born to analytical couples, such as scientists, may be more likely to have children with autism. Cohen, a professor at the University of Cambridge, believes the same gene that makes people analytical may also impair social and communications skills.

A weakness in communications and social skills is a key characteristic of autism, according to the paper. It is believed that one in 100 children has a form of autism, and most of these are boys. According to the researchers, the number of diagnoses seems to be on the increase. Some believe this may be because of greater awareness though.

Dr. Cohen labels people such as scientists, mathematicians and engineers as “systemizers”. They are skilled in analyzing systems, like vehicles, math equations, etc. to figure out how they work.

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(Best Syndication) Plaintiffs in nearly 4,800 cases are watching nine test cases brought before the U.S. Court of Federal Claims concerning a link between autism and mercury in childhood vaccinations. Many experts say that there is no link, but some parents and watchdog groups claim otherwise.

Since the diagnosis of autism is made around the time of childhood vaccinations, a suggested link between the two was made. Cases of autism have been on the rise and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes that 1 in 150 eight year old children suffer from the condition. Since earlier numbers indicated that one in several thousand children had the condition, the disease represents an epidemic.

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Autism Genes Identified – Therapy For Turned Off Genes Possible



(Best Syndication News) Researchers have found new genes that may cause autism making it easier to develop gene therapies to possibly treat or cure the disease. The good news is that most of the genes were not deleted or removed but were just not turned on. This makes it easier to develop treatments.

Since Middle Eastern parents may be closely related and have many children, the researchers focused on this region of the world. According to a paper from the Children's Hospital of Boston, in traditional Arab societies it is common for cousins to marry, increasing the likelihood that offspring will inherit rare mutations.

Autism Genes Identified