Summary
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that autism may have different genetic and developmental causes depending on when it is diagnosed. They suggest that autism diagnosed earlier in childhood is not the same as autism diagnosed later. The research included data from over 45,000 individuals and challenges the idea that autism is a single condition.
Key Facts
- Autism diagnosed early in childhood differs genetically and developmentally from autism diagnosed later.
- The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge.
- Researchers used genetic data from over 45,000 autistic individuals in Europe and the U.S.
- Early childhood autism often shows behavioral difficulties like issues with social interaction.
- Later-diagnosed autism is linked more to mental health conditions like depression.
- The team's findings suggest autism encompasses multiple conditions with different causes.
- The genetic profile of later-diagnosed autism shows more similarity to ADHD and depression than early-diagnosed autism.
- The study challenges the view that autism has a single cause.
