Genetic risk for autism spectrum disorders and neuropsychiatric variation in the general population.

Nat Genet
Authors
Abstract

Almost all genetic risk factors for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) can be found in the general population, but the effects of this risk are unclear in people not ascertained for neuropsychiatric symptoms. Using several large ASD consortium and population-based resources (total n > 38,000), we find genome-wide genetic links between ASDs and typical variation in social behavior and adaptive functioning. This finding is evidenced through both LD score correlation and de novo variant analysis, indicating that multiple types of genetic risk for ASDs influence a continuum of behavioral and developmental traits, the severe tail of which can result in diagnosis with an ASD or other neuropsychiatric disorder. A continuum model should inform the design and interpretation of studies of neuropsychiatric disease biology.

Year of Publication
2016
Journal
Nat Genet
Volume
48
Issue
5
Pages
552-5
Date Published
2016 May
ISSN
1546-1718
URL
DOI
10.1038/ng.3529
PubMed ID
26998691
PubMed Central ID
PMC4986048
Links
Grant list
K01 MH099286 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
102215 / Wellcome Trust / United Kingdom
MC_PC_15018 / Medical Research Council / United Kingdom
MC_UU_12013/1 / Medical Research Council / United Kingdom
MC_UU_12013/4 / Medical Research Council / United Kingdom
U01 MH094432 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States