Could there be a subset of genetically susceptible children predisposed to develop autism following exposure to thimerosal?
A. For most individuals diagnosed with autism, the specific factors associated with expression of this disorder are not known. Genetic studies of autistic children have failed to identify a single gene responsible for autism and no chromosomal anomalies have been associated with autism. Nevertheless, studies among twins with autism strongly suggest that genetic influences underlie the development of autism. Among non-identical twins, if one twin is autistic, the other twin becomes autistic about 5% of the time, while among identical twins, if one twin is autistic, the other twin becomes autistic about 60% of the time. The strong genetic influence thus argues against a toxic exposure as the sole cause of autism. It is possible that the ability to metabolize and eliminate mercury from the body may depend on genetic factors. However, at this time, little information is available to indicate what those genetic factors might be. Q. Autism and autism-spectrum disorders have been steadily inc
