Investigating the Genetic Basis for Quantitative Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Traits

Project Summary / Abstract Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by social communication deficits and restricted, repetitive behaviors and interests. It currently affects an estimated 1 in 59 children in the United States. ASD-relevant traits vary on a continuum throughout the population.

Both the disorder itself and a measure of its overall traits are heritable.

Additionally, domains of ASD behaviors (i.e. social communication, restricted repetitive behaviors) can be inherited independently.

Most genetics studies use a categorical phenotype (diagnosis vs. no diagnosis), which limits the ability to dissect the biology of autism traits.

The overall objective of the current study is to determine the structure and heritability of autism quantitative traits in order to make quantitative genetic studies of autism possible.

Specific Aim 1 will determine the relationship among quantitative measures of autistic behaviors in ASD without intellectual disability. Specific Aim 2 will evaluate the heritability and co-heritability of quantitative autistic traits. Specific Aim 3 will determine the contribution of ASD PRS to quantitative autistic traits.

Completion of these aims will provide better understanding of the behavioral structure of ASD without intellectual disability (ID) and the genetic contributions to that structure, ultimately facilitating quantitative genetic studies of autism and development of more precise, biology-based treatments.