Autism Affects Boys 4 Times More Often Than Girls. Study Finds Clue to Why
Summary
New research suggests that genetic differences on the X chromosome may help explain why autism is diagnosed about four times more often in boys than in girls. Scientists studied families and found genetic variants that mothers can carry without effects, but which may increase the chance of autism in their sons.Key Facts
- Autism is diagnosed roughly four times more often in boys than girls.
- The study focused on genetic differences passed from healthy mothers to their autistic sons.
- Researchers studied the X chromosome because males have one X and females have two.
- Mothers may be protected from gene variants by their second X chromosome, while sons are more vulnerable.
- The study analyzed genetic data from over 8,000 families and identified 22 rare gene variants linked to autism.
- Autism affects communication, social behavior, and interaction.
- Experts caution that autism is complex and not caused by a single genetic factor.
- Girls with autism may be underdiagnosed due to different behavior patterns or less obvious symptoms.
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