New Discovery Improves Capacity to Identify Genetic Susceptibility for Autism and Develop Better Treatments | Brain & Behavior Research Foundation

Of the new finding, reported in a paper titled “Epigenetic Signatures of Autism” in the Nov. 7, 2011 online edition of Archives of General Psychiatry, Dr. Akbarian states: “It’s been hypothesized that an epigenetic model of autism could potentially explain why genetic screening strategies for the disorder have been so difficult and frustrating. Our study is the first clear evidence gained exclusively from nerve cells pointing to a link between epigenetic changes and known genetic risk sites for autism.”