Sibling Recurrence and the Genetic Epidemiology of Autism

• DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2010.09101470
• Publication Date: 2010-10-02T01:52:55Z
• Authors: John N. Constantino; Yi Zhang; Thomas Frazier; Anna M. Abbacchi; Paul Law
• Keywords: Subclinical infection

Objective: Although the symptoms of autism exhibit quantitative distributions in nature, estimates recurrence risk families have never previously considered or incorporated characterization autistic phenotype among siblings. Method: The authors report results 2,920 children from 1,235 participating a national volunteer register, with at least one child clinically affected by an spectrum disorder and full biological sibling. Results: A traditionally defined additional occurred 10.9% families. An 20% nonautism-affected siblings had history language delay, one-half whom exhibited qualities speech. Quantitative using Social Responsiveness Scale supported reported aggregation wide range subclinical (quantitative) traits otherwise unaffected multiple-incidence relative absence single-incidence Girls whose standardized severity ratings fell above first percentile threshold (relative to general population distribution) were significantly less likely elicited community diagnoses than their male counterparts. Conclusions: These data suggest that, depending on how it is defined, sibling may exceed published varies as function family type. support differences mechanisms genetic transmission between simplex multiplex advance current understanding epidemiology conditions.