Genes genes all in an order, the ones you have, the greater risk of disorder

This week, a special focus on genetics:  what type, where do they come from, what do these genes do and how do they influence risk of a wide array of psychiatric issues including autism.  The results come from the largest study to date of people with autism as well as those with ADHD, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.  It’s also the largest study of the Female Protective Effect so far.  Even if genetics does not explain everything about ASD, genetics is important and you deserve to know why.  Below is a graphical abstract of what they found:

 

 

https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0092-8674%2819%2931398-4

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31835028

 

In autism, what does protection mean?

Some autistics are offended by the word “protection” when it comes to autism, but in addition to things increasing the probability of a diagnosis, some things reduce the probability?  This week’s podcast explores the female protective effect as well as a new study from the BASIS study in the UK looking at early regulatory function as a protective factor in ASD and ADHD traits.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31347307

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31351456