Autism May Have Come From Ancestors, Scientists Say

Autism May Have Come From Ancestors, Scientists Say
Where and when your father's grandparents lived may increase your risk of autism, researchers find. Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock
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Scientists from the University of Utah recently concluded that one’s ancestors—particularly where and when one’s grandparents and their children were born—may contribute to an increased risk of autism.

Recently published in the International Journal of Health Geographics, the study reveals that ancestors’ genetics carry a significant risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—with the strongest signal identified from the birth and childhood of paternal grandparents.
Jessie Zhang
Jessie Zhang
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Jessie Zhang is a reporter based in Sydney, Australia, covering news on health and science.
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