Abstract
The autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a complex group of neuropsychiatric conditions involving language, social communication, and mental flexibility. Here, we attempt to place recent genetic advances within a developmental and anatomical context. Recent progress in identifying ASD candidate genes supports involvement of multiple brain regions, including the frontal lobes, anterior temporal lobes, caudate, and cerebellum. Understanding genetic data within an anatomical context will be critical to explain how individual risk factors operate to shape phenotypic presentation in patients.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Brain / abnormalities
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Brain / growth & development
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Brain / physiopathology*
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Brain Chemistry / genetics*
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Child
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Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / genetics*
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Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / pathology
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Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / physiopathology*
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Disease Models, Animal
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / physiology
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Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics*
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Genome-Wide Association Study / trends*
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Humans
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Nervous System Malformations / genetics
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Phenotype
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Social Behavior Disorders / genetics
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Social Behavior Disorders / pathology
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Social Behavior Disorders / physiopathology