If you have been reading up on current research in the field of autism, you probably know the rates of autism are rising, and the cause is still not completely understood. The CDC released new statistics just recently, and it is estimated that 1 in 31 children is Autistic.
Compared to the previous one, which was 1 in 36. This is a progressive rise, and it’s difficult to ascertain its reason. Still, one thing is undeniable: the diagnosis of autism is becoming more common, and the population is more aware, or rather informed, of what autism is and how to get help for it. Back in the day, this wasn’t the case.
The mere signs of being Autistic were often dismissed as just a child being difficult or having behavioral issues.
UNLV Autism research
Increased autism awareness has led to more research and understanding of the disorder. Scientists are still trying to determine the exact causes of autism. For example, just recently, the UNLV researchers have made a breakthrough discovery in identifying the genes that may contribute to autism.
The discovery led by Prof. Łukasz Sznajder revealed that the gene responsible for myotonic dystrophy—a hereditary disorder marked by gradual muscle weakening—also contributes to the onset of autism spectrum disorder. In essence, individuals diagnosed with myotonic dystrophy were also found, to a significant extent, to exhibit traits associated with autism, suggesting a shared genetic and molecular basis between the two conditions.
DMPK gene and Autism
Prof. Sznajder was intrigued by the underlying mechanism linking the two conditions (Autism and myotonic dystrophy). It turns out that the mutated DMPK gene produces toxic RNA strands that interfere with normal cellular function. These RNAs bind to and sequester essential proteins from the MBNL family, which are crucial for correctly splicing various genes, including those tied to brain development and function.
In layman’s terms, the DMPK gene sends faulty genetic messages, like broken instructions, that trap essential proteins for healthy brain and muscle development. Without these proteins doing their job, several brain-related genes get scrambled, which may lead to symptoms found in autism.
It’s worth noting that roughly 60 to 90 percent of autism cases are linked to genetics, which means there’s still some room for environmental factors to play a role. But the essence of this study is that sometimes, the issue isn’t with the genetic code itself—it’s with how that code is read and processed in the brain. These subtle disruptions, now visible thanks to RNA sequencing, show that even without changes to the DNA sequence, the brain’s interpretation of genetic information (gene splicing and dicing in the brain) can go off track and contribute to autism.
The issue now is that, despite overwhelming scientific evidence showing autism is primarily genetic, public debate has been reignited by high-profile figures questioning that consensus. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for example, has dismissed genetic explanations and instead blamed “environmental toxins.” Of course, before he took office, Kennedy was a vocal supporter of the long-debunked theory linking childhood vaccines to autism—a claim repeatedly disproven by extensive research across multiple countries.
Autism research teams
Nevada Autism would like to thank the UNLV Autism research teams for their continued dedication and pioneering efforts in autism research. The work holds the promise of better outcomes for individuals on the spectrum. We are grateful for their commitment to advancing knowledge and improving the lives of those affected by autism.
For families and loved ones in Nevada who are seeking support or information, we encourage you not to hesitate to contact us at Nevada Autism. You are not alone in this journey, and we are here to provide guidance, resources, and a supportive community every step of the way.
