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The development of autism spectrum disorders: variability and causal complexity
Robert H Wozniak1,2, Nina B Leezenbaum2, Jessie B Northrup2
1Department of Psychology, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA, USA.
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Cognitive Science
|December 2, 2016
Summary
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) variability arises from genetic and environmental factors interacting throughout development. These interactions can create feedback loops amplifying neurodevelopmental differences and behavioral variations in individuals with ASD.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental science
- Behavioral genetics
- Developmental psychology
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents significant behavioral and neurodevelopmental variability.
- Understanding the origins of this variability is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted factors contributing to autism spectrum disorder variability.
- To elucidate the interplay between genetic, environmental, and developmental influences on ASD.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on autism spectrum disorder etiology.
- Analysis of genetic, environmental, and developmental models of ASD.
- Exploration of gene-environment interaction paradigms in neurodevelopment.
Main Results:
- Autism spectrum disorder variability is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic processes, environmental events, and gene × environment interactions.
- Neural atypicality in ASD is not attributed to a single cause but rather a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors.
- Developmental trajectories can involve positive feedback loops where neural atypicality, behavior, and environmental responses amplify deviations from typical development.
Conclusions:
- The heterogeneity of autism spectrum disorder necessitates a multifactorial etiological approach.
- Interactions between genetic predispositions and environmental exposures are key drivers of ASD phenotypes.
- Longitudinal developmental processes significantly shape the expression and amplification of autism spectrum disorder characteristics.
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