Massachusetts General Hospital Research: Novel Chromosome Abnormality Appears To Increase Risk Of Autism

A multi-institutional study involving Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers has identified a chromosomal abnormality that appears to increase susceptibility to autism. The investigators -- most of whom are associated with the Boston-based Autism Consortium -- report that a segment of chromosome 16 is either missing or duplicated in about 1 percent of individuals with autism or related disorders, a frequency that is comparable to other genetic syndromes associated with the disorder.