Groundbreaking new research from Princeton University and the Simons Foundation that involved over 5,000 children has pinpointed four distinct subtypes of autism, characterized not just by behavior, but biological differences.
The research, published July 9 in Nature Genetics, is being heralded as a transformative step in understanding the genetic underpinnings of autism. For parents, the hope is that knowing the autism subtype their child falls into could help them choose better treatment and more tailored care.
In an Aug. 6 op-ed in New Jersey Spotlight, the leaders of Autism New Jersey, a nonprofit that helps families navigate the world of autism services, called the Princeton study “a very welcome development” that may potentially lead to future research breakthroughs and better care.
“With further research along these lines, we may eventually be able to identify more genetic causes of autism and customize treatments based on both an individual’s symptoms and their genetic profile,” wrote Autism New Jersey Executive Director Suzanne Buchanan and Communications Director Cassidy Grom, in their op-ed published in New Jersey Spotlight.
One in 29 New Jersey children are affected by autism, a developmental condition characterized by differences in social interaction, communication, and behavior. Autism is a spectrum, meaning it presents differently in each individual, with varying levels of severity and a wide range of strengths and challenges.
“Our helpline fields more than 2,000 calls a year, and the spectrum of needs we address is as wide as the autism spectrum itself,” Buchanan and Grom wrote. “Our organization and others in the community have long argued for an approach to autism that will create clear, standardized subgroups incorporating more symptoms,” they said.
To reach the entire op-ed written by Autism New Jersey leaders, go here.
For more information about the Princeton University autism study, go here.
