Past Issues

The genetics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been studied for more
than three decades. Earlier twin and family studies have provided some support for
a genetic rȏle in the development of ASD. More recent molecular techniques have
identifi ed more than 400 potential genes involved in etiology of ASD. But many of
the genes have also been identifi ed as potential genes for other neuropsychiatric
disorders. The fi eld of ASD genetics has concluded that ASD as defi ned for the last
three decades is a heterogeneous clinical disorder with heterogeneous genetic etiologies.
This overview is to focus on the ethnic differences as a potential factor of
the heterogeneous etiologies. In this overview, the author attempts to compile all
available published ASD genetic studies in Asian populations to explore the directions
for future comparisons between Asian and Western ASD genetic studies. It is
concluded that the quantity of the Asian ASD genetic studies is still quite limited,
though there are a few studies indeed have found some ethnic differences in certain
candidate genes for ASD.