Autism Is Not a Single Condition and Has No Single Cause, Scientists Conclude
Recent research from the University of Cambridge highlights that autism is not a single, uniform condition. By analyzing genetic data from over 45,000 individuals across Europe, the U.S., the U.K., and Australia, scientists discovered that people diagnosed early in childhood show distinct genetic and developmental profiles compared to those diagnosed later. Early-diagnosed children often display social and behavioral challenges from a young age, while later-diagnosed individuals may face mental health issues like depression during adolescence. The study emphasizes that these differences reflect underlying genetic variations rather than random timing of diagnosis. Understanding these distinctions could improve diagnostic accuracy and lead to more tailored therapies. Experts suggest that autism encompasses multiple conditions, each influenced by unique genetic and developmental factors, highlighting the need for personalized approaches in care and treatment.
The Key points
- Autism is not a single, uniform condition.
- Early and late diagnoses show different genetic profiles.
- Over 45,000 individuals’ data were analyzed across multiple countries.
- Early-diagnosed children display social difficulties from a young age.
- Later-diagnosed individuals often face mental health challenges in adolescence.
- Slight overlap exists between early and late genetic profiles.
- Timing of diagnosis reflects underlying genetic differences.
- Findings could improve diagnostic tools and therapies.
- Autism may include multiple developmental pathways.
- Personalized treatment is essential for diverse autism profiles.
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