Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are highly heritable, however few genetic causes have been identified and the prevalence has increased recently, suggesting that alternative genetic mechanisms may contribute, including maternal genetic effects or environmental factors that interact with genetics to cause ASDs. This project will investigate maternal genetic factors for the Early Markers for Autism (EMA) study, an ongoing epidemiologic investigation of immunologic and environmental markers for ASDs in maternal prenatal and newborn blood samples. We hope to identify novel genetic maternal factors that affect risk of autism, potentially by influencing the in utero environment early in neurodevelopment. Identification of novel maternal genetic factors or genes mediating environmental exposures will provide insight into biological mechanisms, markers for prediction of ASD risk, and potential ways to reduce the risk of autism in some families. 

This genetics project is one branch of the larger EMA study led by Dr. Lisa Croen at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research.