Father's Sperm May Reveal Autism Risk For Future Children

A child's risk for developing autism spectrum disorder may be linked to genetic mutations found in the father's sperm.
Researchers have developed a method for measuring the presence of disease-causing mutations in male sperm.
They believe this system could provide expectant parents with a more accurate assessment of autism risk.
Autism spectrum disorder affects nearly 2 percent of all children in the United States.
Its causes are not fully understood, although researchers believe both genetics and environment play a role.
Previous studies have suggested that, in as many as 30% of cases, the disorder is linked to genetic mutations.
Researchers believe that the number of mutations rises with the father's age at time of conception.



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