Environmental and Genetic effects on Autism Longitudinal

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with approximately 2% prevalence. It is characterized by atypical social-communicative- and repetitive and restrictive behaviour. However, it is a highly heterogeneous disorder as well. Although a biological basis of ASD has been suspected for a long time, only recently were genetic variants identified that contribute to ASD. Considering the highly heritable nature of ASD, including genetic factors in prediction models might be crucial to gaining a deep understanding of ASD aetiology. Environmental factors are additionally promising in predicting the course of ASD. Yet the current literature is limited, and focused on the causes of ASD, instead of the effect of environmental and genetic factors on the course of ASD and quality of life.

Objective: This project aims to examine the association and interaction between environmental and genetic factors and development over time in adults with ASD. We examine if and how genetic and environmental factors might contribute to the course of core and comorbid ASD symptoms, and to quality of life in ASD.