February 27, 2020: "What does genetic research tell us about autism?"

Prof. Thomas BOURGERON

Director of the Translational Research Centre "Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions", Pasteur Institute, Paris

While scientists have long suspected genetics to play a major role in the development of autism spectrum disorders, the first genes were not identified until the beginning of the 21st century. Currently, more than 100 genes are known and others are in the process of being identified. Moreover, analysis of cellular and animal models has shown that the majority of them play an important role in brain development, in particular by modulating the number and functioning of synapses which constitute contact points between neurons. Thanks to new sequencing technologies, it is now possible to identify a genetic cause for 10-20% of people with such disorders and thus reduce the "Odyssey of Diagnosis" that concerned children and their parents still too often undergo for years. These scientific advances have also given rise to several European and international initiatives bringing together clinicians, researchers, family associations and people with autism. In his lecture, Professor Bourgeron will illustrate the latest advances in the field, whose primary objective is to better understand the complexity of autistic disorders in order to improve the diagnosis, care and integration of people with autism.

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