Deletions Within Certain Chromosome Can Lead to Autism Development

Bearden’s most recent research goes further and reveals brain differences between individuals with a specific genetic risk for schizophrenia and individuals at risk for autism. The UCLA study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, revealed how genetic material on a specific chromosome can, in fact, affect neurological development. “Notably, the opposing anatomical patterns we observed were most prominent in brain regions important for social functioning. These findings provide clues into differences in brain development that may predispose to schizophrenia or autism,” said Bearden, lead author of the study.