Posted on

Genetics does not equal eugenics

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Sometimes when the autism community hears the words “genetics research”, it conjures up images of using genetics to eliminate people with autism. In fact, that’s not the goal of genetics research, nor is it even possible. Recently, several new studies were publish which illustrate how genetics can be used to help people understand their diagnosis, and receive more targeted supports. Special guest Jonathan Sebat from UCSD provides perspective on these findings and why genetics research is misunderstood.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35654973/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35654974/

https://www.genome.gov/event-calendar/irreducible-subjects-disability-and-genomics-in-the-past-present-and-future

Posted on

Mirror mirror on the wall, what is the fairest early predictor of adult language ability?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Scientists study motor skills in early development not just because it is one of the first features to emerge, but because it is predictive of later social communication development, and as it turns out, later expressive language development.   A new study combining data from 2 countries shows that early motor deficits predict language abilities all the way up to age 19, so focusing on early motor skills is imperative for early intervention.  Also this week – a review on why those tiny details in genetics of ASD can be so helpful for people across the spectrum and families.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31429087

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31491383