Publication date: Jul 11, 2025
“Autism biology unfolds on different timelinesThe team also found that autism subtypes differ in the timing of genetic disruptions’ effects on brain development. “Beyond its contributions to understanding autism subtypes and their underlying biology, the study offers a powerful framework for characterizing other complex, heterogeneous conditions and finding clinically relevant disease subtypes. “Looking aheadFor families navigating autism, knowing which subtype of autism their child has can offer new clarity, tailored care, support and community. While children in both of these subtypes share some important traits like developmental delays and intellectual disability, these genetic differences suggest distinct mechanisms behind superficially similar clinical presentations. “Understanding genetic causes for more individuals with autism could lead to more targeted developmental monitoring, precision treatment, and tailored support and accommodations at school or work,” said Foss-Feig. “What we’re seeing is not just one biological story of autism, but multiple distinct narratives,” said Natalie Sauerwald, associate research scientist at the Flatiron Institute and co-lead author. This suggests that, for these children, the biological mechanisms of autism may emerge after birth, aligning with their later clinical presentation.
| Concepts | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Autism | Autism |
| Biology | Behaviors |
| July | Biological |
| Manager | Care |
| Sauerwald | Clinical |
| Co | |
| Developmental | |
| Distinct | |
| Genetic | |
| Group | |
| Individuals | |
| Princeton | |
| Social | |
| Subtypes | |
| Traits |
Semantics
| Type | Source | Name |
|---|---|---|
| disease | MESH | intellectual disability |
| disease | MESH | causes |
| disease | MESH | disruptive behaviors |
| disease | MESH | obsessive-compulsive disorder |
| disease | MESH | depression |
| disease | MESH | anxiety |
| disease | MESH | ADHD |
| disease | MESH | autism |