Autism More Likely Inherited by Males: Study

Stockholm, 21 Apr (ONA)--- A recent study from the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm revealed that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is more likely to be inherited by males than females.

Researchers analysed data from non-twin siblings and cousins in Sweden who were born between January 1985, and December 1998 - following up on the results up to the age of 19 years old.

Results were published in the online journal Psychiatry this month. The study looked at 1,047,649 individuals from 456,832 families.

Researchers found that 1.17% of the entire sample received a diagnosis of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder - although the NHS now uses the term ASC, Autism Spectrum Condition). This included 1.51% of males and 0.80% of females.

As a result, ASD heritability was estimated at 87.0% and 75.7%, for males and females, respectively, with the difference in heritability estimated at 11.3%. There was no support seen for shared environmental contributions.

The NHS has composed a list of the signs of autism in children. Australian organisation Austism SA has also provided a checklist for boys. However, it is important to know symptoms can present differently in each individual.

The two areas of ASD which are most likely to be seen in boys include social communication and social interaction, and repetitive or restricted behaviour, interests or activities.

---Ends/Thuaiya/KH