World's Largest Study On Autism Launched

The Simons Foundation Research Initiative was finally able to launch its online project that aims to gather DNA and other data from 50,000 people with autism, believing that a mix of environmental and genetic factors account to cause this social communication disorder. Their parents and siblings are also going to be asked to submit their own DNA samples, which can push the study size to up to 150,000 people.

According to The Washington Post, scientists have identified around 50 to 70 genes that could contribute to the condition, with other estimates counting a total of 350 or more that are involved.

Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that there are people who are more severely affected by autism than others -- those who would need support for all their lives. However, there are also milder versions, where those affected can be on the high-functioning end of the spectrum.

Among the many controversies surrounding Autism are its definition and methods of diagnosis, which changed over the past years. Neither blood tests nor biomarkers are available for the condition, which is why doctors rely on parents and teacher surveys to be able to speak more on the topic.

Researchers admitted that the study is particularly ambitious for autism research, but the project is well on its way. Lead investigator Dr. Wendy Chung told The San Diego Union Tribune that as the cost of the sequencing continues to shrink, they will eventually move on to pure DNA analysis. However, the research, which bases treatment on a patient genetic analysis will take a long way in terms of approach -- scientists still haven't figured out how these genes work.

These days, autism is treated with a combination of speech, physical and behavioral goals rather than with medication. Hopefully, though, individualized treatments will be clearer when it comes to treating this condition in the future.