A review of gene–environment correlations and their implications for autism: A conceptual model.

Abstract

A conceptual model is proposed that explains how gene-environment correlations and the multiplier effect function in the context of social development in individuals with autism. The review discusses the current state of autism genetic research, including its challenges, such as the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of the disorder, and its limitations, such as the lack of interdisciplinary work between geneticists and social scientists. We discuss literature on gene-environment correlations in the context of social development and draw implications for individuals with autism. The review expands upon genes, behaviors, types of environmental exposure, and exogenous variables relevant to social development in individuals on the autism spectrum, and explains these factors in the context of the conceptual model to provide a more in-depth understanding of how the effects of certain genetic variants can be multiplied by the environment to cause largely phenotypic individual differences. Using the knowledge gathered from gene-environment correlations and the multiplier effect, we outline novel intervention directions and implications.

Social visual engagement in infants and toddlers with autism: Early developmental transitions and a model of pathogenesis

“…A more complete understanding of any human behavior should consider each type of gene-environment interplay, but studies of gene–environment correlations, gene–environment interactions, and heritability-environment interactions are also lacking in autism research (Meek et al, 2013). We focused our discussion on epigenetics here because of the immediate connection with the avian model system.…”

“…We focused our discussion on epigenetics here because of the immediate connection with the avian model system. But the principle epigenetic research exemplifies is the need to consider the potential multiplier effect, and the iterative process involved, of gene–environment longitudinal effects in which initial vulnerabilities may lead to breakdown in behavioral adaptations, which in turn compound and amplify genetic, brain and behavioral disruptions eventually leading to the expression of behaviorally defined developmental disabilities such as autism (Meek et al, 2013). How to define a road map through this complexity is the topic of this perspective piece.…”

Serum microRNA profiles in children with autism

“…However, owing to the heterogeneous nature of this disorder, classical genetic studies have not necessarily been successful in identifying suitable candidate genes for ASD. In addition to the genetic factors, environmental factors also play a vital role in predisposing individuals to ASD [5]. In recent years, epigenetic mechanisms, which act at the interface of genes and the environment, have been identified as a potential contributor to the pathogenesis of several neurodevelopmental abnormalities such as ASD [6].…”

Parental migration and Asperger’s syndrome

“…The etiology of ASD is known to involve both genetic and environmental factors [3–5]. An often-mentioned risk factor is parental migration, which may reflect either environmental risk factors in the country of origin or in the host country or genetic factors.…”