Unlocking the genetic secrets of autism

Intense and even fanatical resistance to vaccination against childhood diseases is itself a significant public health problem. Opponents have blamed vaccines for everything from allergies and diabetes to cancer and autism.

A recent study of abnormalities in the DNA of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) should finally put to rest the claims of some activists, mainly parents of affected children, that vaccines cause these conditions.

An international group of scientists reported in June in the journal Nature that patients suffering from ASDs had in their genes a higher incidence of mutations in the form of deletions, insertions or duplications of segments of DNA than unaffected control subjects. These findings offer the possibility of both early detection and the development of drugs to target and neutralize the specific biochemical abnormalities caused by the mutations.

via Unlocking the genetic secrets of autism – CTV News.

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About The Author

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts is founder of Support for Special Needs and has been a regular contributor since its inception in May 2010. A mom to two kids with special needs, she didn't want other parents to feel what is the often isolating world of raising a child (or two!) with disabilities. Her kids had kidney transplants at the age of eight and will need liver transplants in the future as a result of ARPKD/CHF. They both have vision disorders and learning disabilities.