Autism Related to Parents' Age, Genetic Mutations and Heredity: More on a Recent Study

In a recent blog, I described a study by a group of researchers at Cold Harbor Springs which suggested that a combination of spontaneous genetic mutations and heredity could account for the vast majority of autism cases. Researcher Kenny Ye, who was involved with the study, has commented on this blog - and kindly answered some specific questions about the study's findings.

Most significant, at least in my mind, are these preliminary findings and suggestions:

• Unique genetic mutations, in parents and/or in children with autism, seem to account for almost all cases of autism;
• The relatively new fact that many parents choose to have children later in life may account for the increase in autism, since damage to DNA is more likely as we age (as a result of everything from cosmic rays to mercury exposure);
• It may be possible to develop a genetic test to determine whether a child is likely to show signs of autism.

This set of findings, which attempts to draw together a wide range of theories, may turn out to be of enormous importance. Of course, before it can be taken as fact it must be replicated, reviewed, and investigated more deeply.

Still, the study does open a huge pandora's box of questions. If DNA mutations are to blame for most of the autism explosion, why would such a huge number of mutations happen to cause autism-like symptoms (as opposed to, say, physical differences)? If these mutations are largely the result of postponed parenthood, do we need to rethink our reproductive habits?

There's certainly plenty to discuss and debate - and your thoughts, as always, are welcome!