Time to give up on a single explanation for autism

TY - JOUR

T1 - Time to give up on a single explanation for autism

AU - Happe, F

AU - Ronald, A

AU - Plomin, R

PY - 2006/10

Y1 - 2006/10

N2 - We argue that there will be no single ( genetic or cognitive) cause for the diverse symptoms defining autism. We present recent evidence of behavioral fractionation of social impairment, communication difficulties and rigid and repetitive behaviors. Twin data suggest largely nonoverlapping genes acting on each of these traits. At the cognitive level, too, attempts at a single explanation for the symptoms of autism have failed. Implications for research and treatment are discussed

AB - We argue that there will be no single ( genetic or cognitive) cause for the diverse symptoms defining autism. We present recent evidence of behavioral fractionation of social impairment, communication difficulties and rigid and repetitive behaviors. Twin data suggest largely nonoverlapping genes acting on each of these traits. At the cognitive level, too, attempts at a single explanation for the symptoms of autism have failed. Implications for research and treatment are discussed

U2 - 10.1038/nn1770

DO - 10.1038/nn1770

M3 - Article

SN - 1546-1726

VL - 9

SP - 1218

EP - 1220

JO - Nature Neuroscience

JF - Nature Neuroscience

IS - 10

ER -