Disorder Could Explain Causes Of Autism

Doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children have found a link between a genetic disorder and autism.

A more common than cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy, Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form in many different organs, primarily in the brain, eyes, heart, kidney, skin and lungs. It is transmitted either through genetic inheritance or as a spontaneous genetic mutation. Children have a 50 percent chance of inheriting TSC if one of their parents has this condition. At this point, only one-third of TSC cases are known to be inherited. The other two-thirds are believed to be a result of spontaneous mutation. The cause of these mutations is still a mystery.

Doctors have now discovered that TSC could unlock the mystery surrounding autism. TSC is probably one of the leading causes of autism. Research indicate that about 25 percent of people with TSC are on the autism spectrum.

Generally, boys are four times likely than girls to have Autism. However, when TSC is factored in, the statitistics differ dramatically indicating equal chances of Autism in both boys and girls.
The association of TSC and Autism could help explain causes of Autism.