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Monozygotic twins concordant for infantile autism: follow-up
The British Journal of Psychiatry : the Journal of Mental Science
|December 1, 1977
Insights
This study documents identical male twins with infantile autism, showing they shared the diagnosis. Follow-up over twelve years explored autism causes and outcomes in this rare genetic condition.
Area of Science:
- Developmental neuroscience
- Behavioral genetics
- Pediatric neurology
Background:
- Infantile autism, a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, presents significant challenges in understanding its etiology and long-term outcomes.
- Monozygotic twins offer a unique model for investigating genetic versus environmental influences on neurodevelopmental conditions.
Observation:
- Presents a detailed case study of monozygotic (identical) male twins diagnosed with infantile autism.
- Includes a comprehensive twelve-year follow-up period.
- Utilizes a multi-modal assessment approach, incorporating birth records, laboratory data, physical measurements, psychometric evaluations, and standardized behavioral ratings.
Findings:
- Demonstrates concordance for infantile autism in genetically identical twins, suggesting a strong genetic component.
- Provides longitudinal data on behavioral patterns and developmental trajectories in autistic twins.
- Highlights the utility of independent behavioral ratings using multiple scales for objective assessment.
Implications:
- Contributes to the understanding of the genetic underpinnings of autism spectrum disorder.
- Informs prognosis and intervention strategies for families with multiple affected children.
- Underscores the importance of long-term follow-up in studying neurodevelopmental disorders.
Abstract:
This paper presents a well-documented case of monozygotic male twins concordant for infantile autism, with a twelve-year follow-up. Assessments include birth records, laboratory studies, physical measurements, psychometrics and quantifiable behavioural ratings by independent raters using multiple scales. Possible aetiological factors of infantile autism, as well as outcome are discussed.