The Identification of the Genetic Components of Autism Spectrum Disorders 2017

Dear Colleagues,

This journal issue is dedicated to the study of the genetics of autism and a collection of original research or review articles and studies related to this topic. Highlights in the field of autism research and identification and characterization of genetic components will be addressed. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurobehavioral disorders characterized by three behavioral domains and currently affect about 1% of children, however, this is on the rise. Significant genetic contributions and mechanisms underlie the causation of ASD. About 50% of individuals are diagnosed with chromosomal abnormalities, submicroscopic deletions or duplications, single gene disorders or metabolic disturbances. The advancement of genetic technology with high resolution structural and microarrays and bioinformatics has led to the discovery of well over 600 genes contributing to ASD. Further, next generation (exome) sequencing for ASD leading to potential pharmaceutical intervention/treatment may vary from patient to patient depending on the specific genomic finding and associated characteristics for autism. New discoveries and continued identification of candidate genes will be addressed and genotype-phenotype correlations. Genetic evaluations requiring the use of advanced genetic testing options will be discussed along with psychiatric/behavioral co-morbidities seen in ASD and approaches to treatment.

Prof. Dr. Merlin G. Butler
Guest Editor

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