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Siblings and parents of children with autism: a controlled population-based study
C Gillberg1, I C Gillberg, S Steffenburg
1Child Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Annedals Clinics, Göteborg, Sweden.
Insights
Genetic factors may influence autism development. This study found Asperger syndrome more common in relatives of children with autism, suggesting a genetic link. Learning disorders were also examined across groups.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Genetics
- Child Psychiatry
Background:
- Infantile autism/autistic disorder and deficits in attention, motor control, and perception (DAMP) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions.
- Understanding the familial aggregation of these disorders is crucial for elucidating underlying genetic and environmental factors.
- Previous research suggests a potential genetic component in autism spectrum disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of speech and language problems, reading/spelling difficulties, social deficits, and psychiatric disorders in first-degree relatives of children with infantile autism/autistic disorder.
- To compare these familial patterns with those observed in relatives of children with DAMP and normal control children.
- To explore the potential genetic underpinnings of autism spectrum disorders.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 35 children diagnosed with infantile autism/autistic disorder.
- Assessment of reported speech and language problems, learning disorders, social deficits, and psychiatric conditions in siblings and parents.
- Comparison of findings across three groups: families of children with autism, families of children with DAMP, and families of normal children.
Main Results:
- Children with autism were more frequently first-born and only children, suggesting possible genetic factors.
- Asperger syndrome was significantly more prevalent among first-degree relatives of children with autism compared to controls.
- A tendency for schizo-affective disorder was observed in mothers of children with autism; learning disorders were less common in the DAMP group.
Conclusions:
- The findings support a genetic model for the development of autism spectrum disorders.
- The increased incidence of Asperger syndrome in relatives highlights a potential shared genetic etiology.
- Further research into genetic transmission and etiological factors is warranted.
Abstract:
The siblings and parents of 35 children with infantile autism/autistic disorder were compared with those of children with deficits in attention, motor control and perception (DAMP) and of normal children for reported speech and language problems, reading and spelling problems, social deficits and psychiatric disorders. Children with autism tended more often to be the first and only child and there was some support for genetic stoppage in this group. Learning disorders were equally common among siblings and parents of the autism and normal groups, but less common compared with the DAMP group. Asperger syndrome was more common among first-degree relatives of children with autism compared with normal children. There was a tendency for schizo-affective disorder to be more common among mothers of children with autism. The findings are discussed in the context of a genetic model for the development of autism.