Genetic drivers of autism could be stronger for men

The degree to which genetics influence autism could be different for males and females, according to international researchers. The team analysed data from a study including over one million Swedish children, of which 12,226 received a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, and found heritability of autism spectrum disorder (a measure of how well the trait can be attributed to genetics) was estimated to be 10-12% higher in males than in females. The team says the findings indicate there could be a difference in the underlying causes and prevalence of the condition, and may not necessarily indicate a ‘protective’ effect in females, but rather differences in genetic variance between sexes. An accompanying editorial says the findings are an important addition to the field of autism likelihood and warrant further population research.