From this long but interesting piece in National Geographic regarding twins, the genes vs. environment debate and the New Kid on the Block in the debate - epigenetics: "Scientists are only beginning to understand how epige­netic processes relate to complex disorders like autism. The good news is that some of these processes, unlike our DNA sequences, can be altered. Genes muted by methylation, for example, sometimes can be switched back on again relatively easily. And though it may not happen soon, the hope is that someday epigenetic mistakes will be as simple to repair as a piano that's out of tune."

Researchers at the University of Utah along with other international researchers have discovered another possible genetic link to autism. Multiple mutations near the semaphorin 5a gene (SEMA5A) could be a possible genetic factor in autism. This gene plays an important role in the creation of a protein that is involved in the development of neurons, and the mutations can vary from one person to the next.

Findings released recently by the University of Aberdeen may give credible supporting evidence of a genetic link to autism. Disruptions to the EIF4E gene were discovered with new technology that allows a deeper look into genetic mapping.

In an effort to discover the origin of autism, researchers will soon be conducting one of the largest studies ever. The study will observe 1,200 pregnant women, all of whom already have at least one child with autism. Investigators will monitor the pregnancies of these mothers and the first 3 years of their newborn's life.

Released today is a report in the journal Nature detailing a recent study, the largest of its kind, that show that many people with autism share a common genetic variation. This study compared the genomes of thousands affected by the disorder. New technology made this discovery, that has long been theorized, possible, giving a lot of credible evidence.

University of Southern California researchers have identified a specific gene variant that may result in an increased genetic risk of autism and gastrointestinal disorders. 214 families in the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE)were analyzed through their medical history. Researchers found a variant in the MET gene that was also associated with autism in those specific families where an individual had both autism and a GI condition.

MIT researchers believe and have shown that multiple genetic risk factors may influence development and the severity of autistic symptoms. This has strengthened their belief that multiple genes play a key role in the origin of autism and could lead to the development of drugs for treatment that target both signaling mechanisms in the brain.

Epilepsy shares a common trait with autism and other neurological disorders, Chromosome 15. The missing chromosome, involving at least seven genes, has been noted to play a key role in schizophrenia, and mental retardation, and may yield further clues for researchers studying this chain.

Scientists have recently discovered a secondary molecular mechanism that may also be responsible in some capacity to pass on genetic traits that were previously thought to solely come from DNA. This may provide insight to scientists on the primary causes of human disease and disorders