Study brings autism hope

4.13.41pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 19th Feb 2007

Scientists say the largest ever study into the genetic causes of autism has taken them closer than ever before to understanding the condition. Autism affects more than half a million people and their families in the UK alone.

Now, thanks to the Autism Genome Project, there is already evidence pointing to at least two genetic factors at the root of the disorder. More than 120 scientists from 19 countries are working on the project, which seeks to enhance knowledge of the condition.

The new research shows that a previously unidentified region of chromosome 11 could be linked to the disorder. Chromosomes are thread-like structures that contain the genetic material DNA, inside the body's cells. The research also shows that a gene called neurexin 1 could be implicated in autism.