Earlier this month, the American Journal of Human Genetics published findings that the results of a previous study were duplicated not just once, but 3 times – in 3 different locations by 3 different research teams. Researches from Yale University, UCLA, and Johns Hopkins University have all validated the previous study linking a specific gene to autistic behaviors.

Dr. Dietrich Stephan, Director of the Neurogenomics Division at TGen (Translational Genomics Research Institute): "Autism is a perplexing disease whose cause remains unexplained. It has long been suggested that environmental factors, linked with genetics, play a role in causing the disorder. As recently as last week, researchers in California published a study that found no proof linking autism with a mercury-based preservative found in childhood vaccines. While there are no clear-cut answers, researchers are one step closer to understanding autism's genetic cause."

What does this mean for the future?

It's too early to tell for sure. TGen is currently collaborating with SARRC to apply these findings in children in Arizona who have been diagnosed with autism. Who knows how much further research will take us? Maybe someday they'll be able to:

• Screen for this particular gene, giving parents-to-be earlier warning. (or giving broken-gene carriers other options entirely)
• Discover what is causing the gene to malfunction.
• Learn how to repair a broken gene. (maybe grafting from a healthy gene, or from a parent's or sibling's gene.)
• Develop or recommend a supplement which makes the broken gene function more normally.

I'm dreaming about the possibilities for the future...