Understanding Genetics: Chromosome 7

Links to chromosome 7 and its relation to Autism, date as far back as approximately 1999. According to Science Daily, in 2003, chromosome 7 became the largest human chromosome to be sequenced. The Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis along with approximately five other centers completed the sequencing of approximately 1,150 genes on chromosome 7. With ties to language controls, chromosome 7 additions and deletions have adverse effects on health in many different ways and are frequently seen in human cancer sufferers.

Deletion of a chromosome 7 sequence, 7Q11.23 leads to Williams Syndrome. This genetic condition affects approximately 1 in 10,000 people worldwide and approximately 20,000-30,000 people in the United States are believed to suffer from Williams Syndrome. This condition occurs equally among males and females. These individuals are very social and friendly, some describe them as "friendly to the extreme", but they may have life-threatening cardiovascular problems and may need speech and occupational therapy. These individuals suffer from difficulties with spatial relationships, numbers, abstract reasoning, and as babies may have feeding problems and colic. The comedian, popularly known as Carrot Top, is rumored to have Williams Syndrome. Orlando Bloom had been rumored to have Williams Syndrome, but this is denied by multiple news outlets. I would invite you to visit the blog of the little girl pictured below. Her name is Lauren and she has been diagnosed with Williams Syndrome.

Lauren's World

In 2010 Yale University School of Medicine searched the DNA of more than 1,000 individuals with Autism and their unaffected family members. Among the 400 suspected genome sites they discovered that maybe related to Autism, they found the correlation between chromosome 7 and Autism. A duplication of the same segment of chromosome 7 that impacts William's Syndrome is associated with Autism and antisocial behavior. Nature published the findings in 2011. 

Researchers in the SFARI network believe there maybe links to chromosome 7 and epilepsy, as well as Autistic-like behavior. In 2005 a team of researchers identified the first duplication case. The study included 27 children who were originally seen for a range of varying issues. This team identified the duplication in these participants and determined these subjects had a range of speech related issues. The lead researcher, Mervis, expressed her skepticism of the appropriate nature of an Autism diagnosis since these children are skilled in pretend play and gesture communication. Her findings are further supported by a study conducted in 2007, which reported that people with the duplication tend to be referred for Autism, but do not meet diagnosing criteria. It is important to note that those with duplication of chromosome 7 vary in impact, which insinuates that other genes are involved, depending on the "symptoms" exhibited by the sufferer. Mervis estimates that up to 30% of her testing group inherited the duplication from their parents, who also had a history of speech problems and a high rate of social phobias, resembling anxiety. 

As recently as 2010 studies have also been conducted on another part of chromosome 7, known as AUTS2, and published by Opening Autism. Deletion of AUTS2 is caused by a loss of genetic material on chromosome 7. This loss has been associated with features of Autism as well as intellectual delay and even seizures. These symptoms are also likely to range in severity in each individual. Researchers admit that deletion of AUTS2 is not commonly tested for, so it is difficult to know how many individuals suffer from this missing sequence. It is worthy to note that individuals with the AUTS2 deletion have decreased muscle tone, which is a common feature of Autism, which can lead to feeding issues and developmental delay. Eye abnormalities are also commonly reported among those suffering from AUTS2 deletion, along with hearing loss, short stature, and seizures. So far no cure is available for AUTS2 or other chromosome 7 afflictions. 

To read more about chromosome 7 and related health issues, please see this article.

To read more about chromosome 7 and its relevance to Autism, please see this article. 

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Understanding Genetics: Chromosome 2

Chromosome 2 is the second largest human chromosome containing approximately 243 million DNA pairs, according to the Genetics Home Reference. It is also one of the "oldest" in human evolution. Chromosome 2 contains approximately 1,300-1,400 of the total genes that provide protein making instructions. Genetic changes to C2 (as I will now call Chromosome 2) have great impact. Several types of cancer have been identified as a result of C2 changes. Myelodysplastic Syndrome, an affliction of the blood and bone marrow, is due to three copies of Chromosome 2 strands, instead of the typical two. Deleting parts of C2 can cause many disorders such as obesity, short stature, and even Autism.

In 2004 Genome News Network reported a research study originally published by the American Journal of Psychiatry. This study included approximately 2,000 people of which 720 were afflicted with Autism. They found an association between Chromosome 2 and Autism. C2 is responsible, in part, for language development. As we know, one of the hallmarks of Autism is a language deficit. The specific gene on Chromosome 2 that impacts this area is called SLC25A12. This gene occurs with greater frequency in individuals with Autism and family members without this disorder. Researchers point out that Autism impacts many different genes, but someone with this specific gene have two times the risk of developing ASD.

In 2007, the Scientific American, published an article from research spanning 19 countries, 120 scientists, 50 institutions and 1,168 families. The report was originally published in Nature Genetics. Using specialized equipment the researchers scanned the DNA looking for variations in DNA that could contribute to ASD. They found significant variations on Neurexin 1 on Chromosome 2 and also a sequencing issue on Chromosome 11 (covered in a different blog).

What is Neurexin 1? This group of genes controls the coding for proteins involved in neuron communication. Also associated with glutamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for elevating neuron activity and brain wiring during early development, Neurexin 1 is believed to be involved in building synapses and some links which send and receive electrical signals. Some subjects of this study were found to have a deletion of the Neurexin 1 gene.

In 2011 very exciting research was unveiled by the American Journal of Human Genetics and reported at the 61st American Society of Human Genetics Annual Meeting. Medscape published an article about this research from Canada. Scientists studied approximately 2,275 subjects and discovered that in every individual affected by microdeletion syndrome on the Autism Spectrum suffered for a partial or complete deletion of a specific region on Chromosome 2, called MBD5.  This deletion was not found in any of the 7,878 control subjects with no psychiatric diagnosis. Other symptoms of MBD5 deletion include intellectual disability, epilepsy, and significant speech impairment. The size of the deletion is directly correlated with the severity of these manifestations. The team also found that this deletion also impacts RNA. RNA is vital for carrying instructions from DNA to other areas of the body. Individuals who are suffering from RNA imparts are only functioning at approximately 50% of their genetic capacity. Their bodies are only using half their road maps. This team hopes to help improve the quality of life of those suffering from this particular deletion through continuing research.

To read more about Chromosome 2, please see this video and article by PBS or this article by SFARI.

I know this article seems condensed, but there is a lot of information to absorb about Chromosome 2. I think this research is very interesting and may be very beneficial for use in future ASD and related therapies.

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Understanding Genetics: Y-Chromosome

In the recent years less information has become available on the involvement of the Y chromosome in Autism, but it has not vanished completely. Researchers used to believe that male prevalence of Autism proved that there were defects on the Y chromosome, but this theory was abandoned since it did not explain the female Autism population. Since then research has shifted more toward the X chromosome. The Y has not been completely forgotten. So what is the Y's involvement?

The Y in Families

In 2012 the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) published an article about the Y chromosome. According to SFARI, Autism affects four times more boys than girls. The male, or Y, chromosome carries a total of 60 genes. As we know from the X chromosome article approximately 1 in 1,000 boys are born with XXY genetics and approximately the same amount of boys are born with XYY genetics. This extra Y chromosome does come with similar impairment as Klinefelter (XXY). Citing a study from Pediatrics researchers discovered that half of the group with XYY genetics required additional Autism evaluation. Another article, cited by SFARI, found in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, was conducted to rate language and communication problems. Of their test group, 19% of the XYY genes were diagnosed with ASD, compared to 11% of the XXY group. These two studies have led SFARI to conclude that an extra Y copy of genes significantly boosts the risk of Autism in an individual. 

SFARI takes us to Chromosome 16. This chromosome, by either deletion or duplication, has been linked to one percent of ASD population. This chromosome is found on both the X and Y genes. Interestingly a variant of Chromosome 16 can be linked to other conditions, such as obesity. Two other chromosomes found on the Y chromosome are directly linked to Autism: NLGN4Y and USP9Y. These two have been linked to developmental delay disorders, seizures, and poor coordination, among others. 

Genes Associated with Autism

Another player in the Autism field is the RORA gene. RORA is a hormone dependent gene that acts as a master regulator of other genes. In 2011 a study was published which showed that testosterone and estrogen have opposite effects on RORA. Livescience.com published an article about this study. According to this article testosterone lowers the ability of cells to turn on the RORA gene, while estrogen raises the cells ability. Professor Hu, who we will discuss in a moment, proposes that a high level of fetal testosterone puts the fetus at risk for developing Autism. Preliminary research does not show that low RORA causes Autism, but it is associated. RORA deficiency, on the other hand, may explain the effects seen in Autism. One of RORA's functions is to protect neurons against inflammation and stress. Inflammation has been a huge research theory in the Autism community lately. It is also responsible for helping to maintain the body's circadian rhythm or the sleep/wake cycle, which could help explain sleep disturbances in Autism. According to Dr. Hu individuals with Autism have lower RORA levels in their brain tissue, when compared to typical brain tissue. 

In 2013, ASD Research published an article about RORA and Autism. Dr. Hu a professor of biochemistry at George Washington University discovered that RORA regulates a large number of genes associated with Autism. RORA appears to play a role in the regulation of androgen and estrogen. An over production or under production of RORA seems to impact six other genes directly related to Autism, one of which is another NLGN gene. This may contribute to the male bias of the ASD spectrum. 

To read more about Chromosome 16 please read this article. 

To read more about the role of sex hormones in Autism, please read this article. 

I hope this helps to give you a basic understanding of the Y Chromosome and RORA gene. We are here to support you on your Autism journey. For more interesting topics please read our blog and follow us on Facebook.

Understanding Genetics: X-Chromosome

As you may know the X chromosome plays a role in the sex of an individual. The X chromosome is contributed by the mother or father, depending on the sex of the child. A girl will have XX genetics and a boy will have XY genetics. My family has a history of Autism that is newly discovered. My son, Aiden, is the first documented case and shortly after his diagnosis my little brother, Will, was diagnosed with Autism. Both are high functioning. I do not have Autism, my daughter, Haley, is showing no signs of Autism and there is no history of Autism in my husband's family. I think Autism is linked to the female side of my family, me, my mother, my maternal grandmother, etc all carry the Autism gene. So what are the real numbers? How likely is it that the X chromosome contributes to Autism?

This color coded picture flow chart will help you understand how the X chromosome behaves across multiple generations. 

Shared X

Let’s explore Autism from the X chromosome. About published an article in 2007 citing a study from Newsday; the researchers discovered that mother's who carry the Autism gene do not exhibit the traits of Autism themselves but have an approximate 50% chance of passing the trait to their children. The IAN network also has published a study referencing this information. New theories suggest that Autism is a "spontaneous mutation" of genetics, but IAN cites the strong family history in some individual families. They further suggest that men can be carriers of Autism, but if men carry the genes they are more likely to exhibit the signs of Autism than women. IAN states if either parent carries the autism-causing mutation than their children will have a 50/50 chance of inheriting that mutation. A girl, who does not show signs of Autism, may still carry the mutation and has a 50% chance of passing it onto her children. Her daughter will be far less likely to show signs of Autism and so on. 

This SFARI article references a 2011 study originally published in Molecular Autism. The researchers have located a gene on the X chromosome named TBL1X. Researchers functioned under the theory that Autism is related to the X chromosome because the disorder is approximately four times more common in boys than girls. Since boys only inherit one X chromosome several independent studies have investigated mutations on the X chromosome in relation to Autism. This study included approximately 5,856 individuals from 1,456 families with one or more children with Autism. They found a variant linked to the TBL1X gene, but only in males with Autism. 

Also in 2011, at the 12th International Congress of Human Genetics, research was presented that shows deletion of a part of TMLHE gene on the X chromosome found in a significant statistical number of males with Autism. This is something to be excited about since researchers believe that Autism associated with a lack of TMLHE can be prevented or partially reversible with proper dietary supplementation. It is important to understand that TMLHE deficiency is not a common cause of Autism, researchers determined. TMLHE deletion can be found in typically developing males at a rate of 1 in every 350, but the frequency of this deletion was approximately 3 times higher in Autistic males. In mothers also diagnosed with Autism this deletion was found in 6 out of 7 autistic siblings had this deletion. This is a very important and significant finding. Researchers conclude that as many as 1 in approximately 150 individuals with Autism have the TMLHE deletion. 

What about twin studies? In 2012 the University of Florida released information on Genetics and Autism; they estimate that in 80-85% of Autistic cases have an unknown or multifactorial cause. They also estimate that 3% are cause by a single inherited gene and approximately 5% are due to chromosome anomalies. They do address the genetic link to Autism and cite proof through twin studies. In identical twins the likelihood of both having Autism is as high as 90%. They further investigate the high recurrence of Autism in relatives close to the Autistic individuals. For instance parents or siblings with Autism will determine a risk of approximately 3-6% to a sibling or child. U of F also agrees that the excess of male prevalence in Autism suggests an X-chromosome contribution. 

There are three medical conditions with strong ties to Autism which also have strong impacts to the X-chromosome: Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, and Fragile X syndrome. 

Turner Syndrome: This disorder is a chromosomal condition that affects females. Turner syndrome is related to the X-chromosome and is the result of one X missing. So a female child with Turner's will have a X genetic footprint instead of an XX genetics. In some cases the missing X will be partially missing or simply rearranged. Most cases of Turner's are not inherited. Turner syndrome shares a common phenotype with Autism. Individuals with Turner's have difficulty recognizing fear on the faces of others. Autistic individuals appear to have difficulty in identifying facial expressions. Doctors at the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) are currently conducting further research into this based on the information found by the Brain Science Unit at the Institute of Children Health in London. Doctors there have discovered a region on the X-chromosome that is related to facial recognition phenotype. By investigating this one trait of Turner's researchers hopes to identify why and relate that to Autism. Turner syndrome occurs in approximately 1 in 2,500 female births. 

Turner Syndrome

Klienfelter Syndrome: This is also a chromosomal condition that affects males. People typically have two sex chromosomes, either XX (girls) or XY (boys), those with Klienfelter have XXY sex chromosomes (there is a variant: XYY). There is an extra X copy present which interfere with testosterone production along with intellectual disability and other physiological impacts. Behavior problems in those suffering from Klienfelter have been associated with Autism. According to Opening Autism approximately one in 10 diagnosed with Klienfelter's is also diagnosed with Autism. This is also a random occurrence with no chromosomal changes. Klienfelter's affects approximately 1 in 660 men. 

Klinefelter Syndrome

Fragile X Syndrome: This genetic condition can cause a range of problems from behavioral to cognitive impairment. Males are most severely affected by this disorder, but it can also impact females. Fragile X is inherited through mutated genes on the X chromosome. Approximately 1 in 4,000 males and 1 in 8,000 females are affected by Fragile X Syndrome. Approximately 15-33% of those with Fragile X also have Autism, according to the National Fragile X Foundation, making up approximately 2-6% of the Autism community. When an individual with Fragile X is also diagnosed with Autism, the Autism is also caused by the mutation in the Fragile X gene. Here is an interesting video on Fragile X.

Fragile X Syndrome

It is important to understand that everyone with Autism does not have a serious medical condition such as Turner's, Klinefelter's or Fragile X, and not everyone with these conditions has Autism. It is interesting to correlate the impact Autism has on the X chromosome, which also influences these disorders. To read more about the X chromosome and Autism I suggest you read this article from Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience. 

I hope this helps you understand the impact of the X chromosome in Autism and its potential contribution to your case. With understanding and education we can push forward. 

We, at Aiden's Heroes, are always here to support you on your Autism journey.

Understanding Genetics: Intro to Chromosomes

Understanding the genetics of Autism could be the key to resolving the issues within. I want to explore the different Chromosomes associated with Autism, but it has occurred to me that I need to refresh myself in the basic biology. So I decided to break this huge issue into parts, to make it more understandable for everyone.

Genes are the traits passed down to children by their parents. Genes determine hair color, eye color, and can even impact the development of some disorders. In total a human can have approximately 20,000-25,000 different genes, all these in each cell of the human body. All the genes throughout the whole of your body form your genome. You may hear reference to geneticists or genetics. Genetics is the study of genes and geneticists are the scientists that study genes.

Genes are made up of patterns of DNA. DNA is made using only four chemical compounds. The DNA chemicals link together forming a tight, twisting ladder known as a double helix. This whole ladder creates a strand, or chromosome.

DNA makes Chromosomes

So what is a chromosome? A chromosome is a spaghetti like structure that carries all the information necessary for cells to create a complete organism. You, for instance, are an organism. Chromosome's are completely made up of genes. Chromosome's live in the nucleus of a cell and can be found in every cell of your body. I have always thought of the cell's nucleus as the brain of the cell. Chromosome's are usually found in pairs, there are approximately 46 chromosome strands (23 pairs) in the human cell. When a cell divides these strands repeat within each new cell.

                                          
                            Human Cell                                                                 Chromosomes

Chromosomes and DNA get all their work done via cell proteins. Genes are the instructions by which proteins are made via a special code. The body translates these codes to help make the different kinds of amino acids in our bodies.

Which chromosomes effect Autism? So far I have found research on chromosome X, 2, 7, 15, 16, and 17. I'm sure I will find others as we dive further into this area of study. Please keep in mind I am not a doctor or geneticist. I am simply curious and this is my understanding of chromosomes.

For more in depth reading on chromosomes please see this article. Feel free to visit us on Facebook.

Autism and Autoimmune Disease

I recently met another mother, via Facebook, who has an autoimmune disorder and she has an Autistic son. I became curious, since I too have an autoimmune disorder and an Autistic child. I began researching a possible link between autoimmune disorders and Autism. What I found was incredibly interesting.

Medicine Net defines autoimmune disease as an "illness that occurs when the body tissues are attacked by its own immune system". Autoimmune disease is more frequent in women than men and this maybe linked to the role estrogen plays in the immune system. According to Women's Health approximately 23.5 million American's suffer from some type of autoimmune disease. Some examples of autoimmune diseases are lupus, thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, pulmonary fibrosis, etc. I have personally have psoriatic arthritis.

In 2013 a study of approximately 2,700 mothers and children was published in Molecular Psychiatry. It found that approximately one in ten women, who have a child with Autism, have immune molecules in their bloodstream that react with brain proteins. In animal studies, these researchers have found that prenatal exposure to specific types of immune molecules, antibodies, strongly contributes to altered social behavior. Antibodies help the immune system recognize and fight bacteria and viruses. Researchers believe these antibodies do not harm the mother's brain because she produces them and the brain filters most of these antibodies out. A fetal brain may not be able to filter these antibodies out effectively, thus, possibly causing damage in the form of Autism. This is likely to be evidence to support what scientists have long suspected, that women who have autoimmune disease are more likely to have children with Autism.

The brain filters antibodies through the blood brain barrier (BBB). This semi-permeable layer around the blood vessels in the skull and into the brain only allows certain cells into the brain. The BBB functions to protect the brain from "foreign substances", protects the brain from hormones and neurotransmitters and maintenance of a consistent brain environment. To learn more about the BBB please refer to Neuroscience For Kids or ABC Science.

So could it be possible that a portion of the Autism community is suffering from an inflammatory disease? The New York Times breached that very topic in their August 2012 article: An Immune Disorder at the Root of Autism. This article estimates that approximately one-third of the Autism community is suffering from an inflammation of the brain, stating that the immune system in an Autistic individual fails to turn off the fighting response antibodies regularly. They specifically cite a research study out of Denmark, stating that infection of the mother, with autoimmune disease, during pregnancy greatly increases the chances of Autism in their baby. The New York Times article estimates that the mother's diagnosis of RA increases their babies risk of ASD by approximately 80% and her diagnosis of celiac disease will increase the risk of ASD by 350%.

The 2009 study, published in Pediatrics, and sited by New York Times was conducted in Denmark. The researchers studied children born in Denmark from 1993-2004, which amounted to approximately 680,000 individuals. They then specifically focused on those children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The researchers then focused on the 26 different autoimmune disorders in the parents or unaffected siblings. What did they find? They found strong links between type 1 diabetes and ASD, as well as RA in mothers and ASD. They also found the first association between ASD and untreated celiac disease in mothers. This study specifically found that mothers played a significant role in the history of autoimmune disease and Autism, more than fathers. This leads researchers to the hypothesis that ASD risk is increased in the children of mothers with autoimmune disorder due to the conditions of the fetal environment.

This research is ongoing, but it is clear there are strong links to Autism and autoimmune disorders. This is in no way insinuating that autoimmune disorders are the only cause of Autism, but in some cases it could be. I think this link is very interesting and is something to be considered and discussed between women who wish to have children, also suffering from autoimmune disorder, and their treating physicians. I, in no way, am insinuating that these women should not have children. Children are an absolute blessing that should be enjoyed by everyone willing to undergo that path. What I am saying is this group of women should be educated in all the risk factors associated with their disease and pregnancy, to include the possibility of Autism.

If I had known my autoimmune disorder could contribute to Autism, would I still have carried a pregnancy? Absolutely. At the time of my pregnancy with Aiden and even with my daughter, Haley, I did not know I had psoriatic arthritis, but I had psoriasis for years. I, personally, from the time I was a little girl felt the strong desire to be a mother. I would have appreciated knowing the risk factors my psoriasis could have played on my child.

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A Direct Response to Wyoming Institute of Technology's Article

NOTE: Since posting this article it has been brought to my attention that this maybe a fraud. I cannot find any reputable sites debunking this article. As it turns out the Wyoming Institute is a real place, but it is not considered a place of higher education. Basically its a large scam with poor quality professors and facilities. Here is a link to one of these articles: Ripoff Report.

The Wyoming Institute of Technology has released an article stating that "92% of murderers are diagnosed with Aspergers". They state that their scientists ran "extensive" tests on 2,000 prisoners in 7 different states and found that 92% of them have Aspergers Syndrome. You can read the entire article here: Civic Tribune.

The total prison population in the United States is approximately 2,228,424 of the total 317 million people in the US. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development approximates 36,500 children of every 4 million born each year will have Autism. That brings the number to one in every 88 children.

This article directly relates those with Aspergers to sociopaths and states "Coupled with their lack of empathy, and boundaries, people who suffer from Aspergers could potentially be extraordinarily dangerous". I being a mom of an High Functioning Autism took immediate notice of this. First I'd like to point out a few things. By no means am I a doctor of psychology or psychiatry, but I do have a strong background in mental health to include a bachelors degree in both Criminal Justice and Psychology. My course of study included Adolescent Psychology and Abnormal Psychology along with Testing and Measurements. A few issues I have with this study are as follows:

First, who are these "scientists" and what is their experience in the field of mental health? Dr. Franklin Forrester is directly cited as the individual writing the article and as the "scientist" conducting the study. When I looked into the school's website (http://witscience.org/) I could not find any faculty profiles to look into his basic biography. I don't even know what this doctor is certified in. A Google search of Dr. Franklin Forrester only brought me to this article, no other educational information was found. I finally discovered a bit more information on this article here: article. Dr. Forrester's team includes psychiatrists, doctors, and criminal psychologists. He states this research took seven years and was inspired by the Virginia Tech shootings.This article states he conducted "extensive" interviews with inmates. I wonder if he conducted case studies on each individual. Interviewing neighbors, teachers, and other caregivers as these individuals grew up. Criminals are master manipulators, especially in prison. Another disturbing bit is he has a book set to be released very soon, July 12, 2014, and the article directly gives an email address for interviews.

Second, just for grins I cracked open my own copy of the DSM-IV and my personal copy of the Black's Law Dictionary. When I looked at 299.80 Asperger's Disorder the criteria lists a need for at least two demonstrations of impaired social interaction and at least one demonstration of activities, behavior, and interests that are repetitive, restricted, and stereotyped. None of the criteria listed includes violence, the mention of violence, or the capacity to commit violent acts. I then refereed to section 301.7 Antisocial Personality Disorder aka Sociopaths/ Psychopath. The criteria for diagnosing this disorder is broken down into four areas. The very first area listed is "Aggression against people or animals", then follows property destruction, lying or theft, and serious rule violation. In fact the DSM-IV cites this behavior in children is listed as code 312.8 Conduct Disorder, which falls under the 314.9 Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Not Otherwise Specified section.

Black's Law Dictionary defines psychopath as "A person with a mental disorder characterized by an extremely antisocial personality that often leads to aggressive, perverted, or criminal behavior. The formal psychiatric term for mental illness from with a psychopath suffers is antisocial personality disorder". When I looked in Black's Law Dictionary for a definition of Aspergers I could not locate one. So I tried looking under Autism and could not find one. What does that tell me? That tells me that the Criminal Justice System does not identify those on the Autism Spectrum as being a threat.

I take specific offense to this doctor's study. I see this being a path toward listing Aspergarians as a subgroup of Sociopaths. I can tell you these groups could not be further apart in actions. A simple link between both groups exhibiting antisocial behavior is not enough to mark Aspergarians as dangerous enough to "...manage those who live with the condition and ensure a safer atmosphere for us all" as cited at the end of the Civic Tribune. I already wrote a blog about Autism and Criminal Behavior, citing a 2013 Danish study (among many others) which found that Autistic individuals have a crime rate lower than their neurotypical peers. Nine percent of those individuals involved in the Autistic community have criminal background, compared to the 18% of neurotypical individuals. In fact I go onto explain the 9% that do.

This article, I fear, will cause mass panic within the population, improperly labeling our sweet children as violent, ruthless killers. I strongly detest the Civic Tribune's call to the public to manage my son and his disability. The general public does not understand Autism or its needs and I do not want a bunch of "pseudo" professionals telling me how to manage my loved ones. My worst fear is a call for mass government control of these individuals, not just in the United States but around the world. Our government has behaved this way before and the last historical concentration camp I could find was during the 1940s, when the US imprisoned citizens during WWII for their Japanese heritage.

The bottom line is this: The diagnosis of Autism or Aspergers does not predispose an individual to violence.