| Genetics Overview
Watch for Future Progress
Scientists are working hard to narrow down the regions on chromosomes 7 and 15 to identify the
specific gene(s) related to autism on these chromosomes. They are also expanding their searches
to investigate other chromosomes for which there is preliminary suggestive evidence. We look
forward to updating you as researchers continue to piece together the complicated autism puzzle.
Practical Considerations for Evaluating Research Findings
While this is an exciting and important time in autistic disorder research, it is important to
remember that all research findings must be confirmed. In scientific research, this means other
scientists must repeat the experiments and have the same or similar findings. Replicating research
findings is the standard in science for confirming their accuracy; in general, each additional
confirmation of a specific finding makes the finding increasingly more "likely".
Over the next few years, there will be many research reports about the genetics of autistic
disorder. Some of these research findings may not be confirmed (duplicated) right away, if ever.
Therefore, when a research finding is announced, it is important to wait for confirmation before
fully accepting the results.
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