Researchers at UCLA recently published a study whereby they performed whole genome sequencing in 4,551 individuals from 1,004 families with at least two children diagnosed with autism. This group included 1,836 autistic children and 418 children without an autism diagnosis.
Guess what they found?
The researchers found seven genes that are potentially associated with autism: PLEKHA8, PRR25, FBXL13, VPS54, SLFN5, SNCAIP, and TGM1. In another finding, children who had language delay had a higher likelihood of inheriting a polygenic score associated with autism, whilst there was not a similar relationship for children without language delays. This pattern was specific to autism and was not seen in other traits like educational attainment, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, suggesting there's a genetic link between autism and language delay.
Interestingly, the DSM-5-TR does not consider language delay a “core autism symptom,” citing the variability in language ability among autistic people.
I’m grateful for the ongoing research on autism and frustrated/angry that the American DSM does not incorporate this research. My 5 year old grandson is autistic-PDA;the European DSM recognizes it and the US doesn’t. Thank you for sharing all the research.
The bulk of the "western" world relies upon the ICD, which comes from the World Health Organization. The DSM comes from the American APA, which is more trade lobbying group than scientific organization. The APA acts as an adjunct of the system, essentially protecting it from us. We can see this in the recent Text Revision, which was made specifically to reduce the number of diagnoses given.
In my book, I explore the world's major diagnostic manuals. The Chinese diagnostic system, by contrast, is probably the most "community focused" of them all.
I’m grateful for the ongoing research on autism and frustrated/angry that the American DSM does not incorporate this research. My 5 year old grandson is autistic-PDA;the European DSM recognizes it and the US doesn’t. Thank you for sharing all the research.
Thanks for reading and sharing.
The bulk of the "western" world relies upon the ICD, which comes from the World Health Organization. The DSM comes from the American APA, which is more trade lobbying group than scientific organization. The APA acts as an adjunct of the system, essentially protecting it from us. We can see this in the recent Text Revision, which was made specifically to reduce the number of diagnoses given.
In my book, I explore the world's major diagnostic manuals. The Chinese diagnostic system, by contrast, is probably the most "community focused" of them all.
Interesting! You’re welcome! I look forward to reading it 👍🏻