Bounty

Genetic "fingerprints" have been found by scientists in an international study into the possible causes of autism.

The findings could make it easier for doctors to diagnose the disorder in children.

New genetic tests are being planned but cash to fund them is needed.

Around 60 teams from 12 countries, which include the UK and Republic of Ireland, took part in the research. They identified genetic disruption, "copy number variants", which was around 20% more common in children with autism than those without.

Some children had whole sections of DNA either duplicated or lost, which was usually not found in the parents. These children are the first of their family members to have the variations, which occurred in areas of the genome already implicated in autism. Other variants were found in surprising areas.

The abnormalities centre on "biological pathways" which have not been studied before, the scientists said.

Professor Tony Monaco, leading a team in the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics in Oxford, said: "By identifying the genetic causes of autism, we hope in the future to be able to improve the diagnosis and treatment of this condition which can affect children and their families so severely."

Copyright Press Association 2010