Is Autism the Consequence of Genetic Dysfunctions?

Autism is a complex neurological disorder that involves abnormalities at the level of the central nervous system. Although the specific causes of autism in remain unknown, it seems that acquired or inherited genetic dysfunctions have a very important role in the occurrence of the syndrome in people. Recent experiments conducted on mice have proved that there is a clear connection between genetic factors and abnormal behaviors characteristic to ASD (autism spectrum disorders). By deleting the PTEN gene in some areas of the brain of mice, scientists have been able to trigger symptoms that are very similar to those generated by autism in humans.

Although the experiment can