There seems to be some very interesting facts coming to light...at long last!
So far, all the experts before this report and study were of the opinion that there was no genetic link with Autism, although UK studies are leading the experts to believe that there is a big link to older Dad's having children later on in life with Autism.
I for one will be keeping an interested eye on the outcome and study of the reason for Autism.
I wasn't aware that it wasn't scientifically known that autism was genetic, but I have always assumed it was based on observing families with autistic children. Considering the families I know with autistic children, the majority have more than one child with it. For example, there is a family in my neighborhood with three boys and one girl. All three boys have autism. I believe it is more prevalent in boys. I also know of two other families where two boys have autism. I'm glad that science has caught up with knowledge based on observation. Maybe now a cure and/or better treatments can be found.
I wonder if there is any kind of pre-test that can be done to determine the percentage risk of having a child with Autism? I wonder how many couples would choose to have a child knowing that there is a high chance of her being born with special needs, in this case Autism?
JB:
I hope one day we can have all the answers about what exactly causes autism.
World's largest autism genome database shines new light on many 'autisms'
An additional 18 gene variations have been identified that appear to increase the risk of autism. The study involved the analysis of 5,205 whole genomes from families affected by autism -- making it the largest whole genome study of autism to date. Ref. Source 8d.
Delayed Walking May Signal Spontaneous Gene Anomalies in Autism
Distinct behavioral profiles linked to “high confidence” ASD risk genes
Researchers have discovered a pattern of genetic glitches and behavioral features, such as delayed walking, in some cases of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that could ultimately lead to the identification of subgroups and improved treatment. Ref. Source 7z.