Spectrum Stories: The role of genetics in autism

We know that genes play a role in the condition; however, finding genes, and then knowing what they do is a challenge.

By Lisa Cantrell

27 June 2017 | 1 min read

Illustration by John Hersey

This article is more than five years old.

Neuroscience—and science in general—is constantly evolving, so older articles may contain information or theories that have been reevaluated since their original publication date.

0:00 /

Sign up for the weekly Spectrum newsletter.

Stay current with the latest advancements in autism research.

tags:

Spectrum, The genetics of autism, The Transmitter stories

Recommended reading

Spectrum

Autism prevalence increasing in children, adults, according to electronic medical records

By Shaena Montanari

21 November 2024 | 2 min read

Illustration of a parent and child both distracted by screens.

Spectrum

Executive function; screen time; Rett syndrome therapy

By Jill Adams

19 November 2024 | 1 min read

Spectrum

Newfound gene network controls long-range connections between emotional, cognitive brain areas

By Charles Q. Choi

14 November 2024 | 4 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Neuroinflammation

Immune cell interlopers breach—and repair—brain barrier in mice

By Claudia López Lloreda

20 November 2024 | 6 min read

Cell types

Expanding set of viral tools targets almost any brain cell type

By Holly Barker

19 November 2024 | 2 min watch

Illustration of the outlines of several different animals—including a fish, an insect and a rabbit—each filled in with a different color and overlaid with abstract patterns, lines and shapes.

Consciousness

Premature declarations on animal consciousness hinder progress

By Hakwan Lau

18 November 2024 | 5 min read