Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. It is also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) because it affects people in different ways and to varying degrees of severity. One of the most common questions that people have about autism is which parent carries the gene that can cause the disorder.
The answer is that both parents can carry the gene that can cause autism, but it is not always inherited from the parents. In fact, most cases of autism are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some genetic mutations can increase the risk of autism, but they are not the only cause of the disorder.
One of the most well-known genetic mutations that can increase the risk of autism is called the “autism gene,” or the “autism susceptibility candidate 2” (AUTS2) gene. This gene is located on the long arm of chromosome 7 and is thought to play a role in the development of the brain’s communication pathways. It is not known exactly how this gene increases the risk of autism, but it is thought to affect the way that neurons in the brain communicate with each other.
Another gene that has been linked to autism is the “neuroligin-3” (NLGN3) gene, which is located on the long arm of chromosome X. This gene is thought to be involved in the development of synapses, which are the connections between neurons in the brain. Mutations in this gene can disrupt the normal function of synapses and increase the risk of autism.
It is important to note that having one of these genes does not mean that a person will definitely develop autism. The presence of these genes only increases the risk of developing the disorder. In addition, there are many other genetic and environmental factors that can also increase the risk of autism.
So, which parent carries the autism gene? Both parents can carry the gene that can cause autism, but the gene is not always inherited from the parents. In most cases, the gene that increases the risk of autism is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is also important to remember that the presence of these genes does not guarantee that a person will develop autism.
