So, you’ve never been diagnosed with autism. But could autism-associated genes be affecting you in subtle ways? You might be surprised by what the brilliant minds from France’s Institut Pasteur have found.
Autism Genes: Not Just for Autism Anymore
In a riveting research paper, the team unpacks how genes linked with autism can impact individuals who haven’t been diagnosed with the condition.
It’s like finding out that your washing machine can also make coffee—it’s a game-changer!
The Genetic Deep-Dive
To dive into the genetics pool, the researchers studied data from over 13,000 folks with autism and a whopping 210,000 people without an autism diagnosis. They focused on specific changes in 185 genes related to autism.
These changes are like typos in our DNA that stop genes from working properly. And in this case, these genetic “typos” are connected to autism.
Variants with a Twist
As the researchers predicted, the genes most likely to cause autism were those previously highlighted in other autism research.
Yet, the mystery remains why some people with these genetic changes have autism and others don’t. The scientists suspect a cocktail of additional factors like other genes, societal influences, and environmental aspects may be at play.
Unseen Effects of Autism-Related Variants
Intriguingly, people carrying these autism-related changes showed a slight dip in reasoning skills, job progress, and income. They also had a higher association with poverty.
Now, don’t panic. There were no major differences in brain structure between those with these genetic changes and those without.
What this suggests is these genetic “typos” might not always lead to autism but could subtly affect how people function in life.
Not So Simple
The effects of these genetic changes aren’t straight-forward. They don’t directly influence our thinking abilities.
Instead, they seem to be part of a long, winding road of factors, including our environment, that shape our thinking skills and socioeconomic status.
The Power of Early Learning
Our social environments, schools, and early learning styles can leave lasting marks on us. This research implies that our genes may also play a role in how our brain grows.
It points towards the idea that some learning styles might be better suited to individuals based on their genetic makeup.
The Next Steps
What we need now is more research into how these genetic variants tie in with sociodemographic factors.
By understanding these connections better, we can offer better support to help people flourish in society.
In a nutshell, this study hints at a broader influence of autism-related genetic changes that extends beyond a clinical diagnosis of autism.
It’s a step towards understanding how the genes associated with autism may impact even those of us who don’t have the condition.
So, while you may not have autism, some of your genes might be quietly influencing your life in ways you never imagined.
If you care about autism, please read studies about a new cause of autism, and vitamin D could help lower the risk of autoimmune diseases.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about common signs and symptoms of autism, and gut health plays a role in autism.
The study was published in Nature Medicine.
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