According to a recent post on Neuroscience news.com, researchers have uncovered new evidence suggesting that the genetic origins of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may differ from long-standing beliefs. After analyzing the genomes of more than 6,000 families, scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found that siblings with ASD often share more of their father’s genome than their mother’s. This challenges previous assumptions that maternal genetics played a larger role.

The study also showed that in families with multiple ASD-diagnosed children, siblings shared more paternal DNA. In families with only one affected child, they shared less. Although the exact mechanism is still unknown, researchers propose that fathers may carry protective mutations that are not passed on or that paternal mutations may influence the mother’s immune response during pregnancy.

These findings open new possibilities for understanding ASD’s genetic pathways and may lead to earlier diagnosis, improved treatment strategies, and better support for families and professionals working with autistic individuals. (more)