Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that occurs in around 2% of people, and can be associated with differences in social interaction, communication and interests. Autism is connected with genetic changes that are present from conception, but is often not identified until children are in school. Prospective longitudinal studies that follow infants from near birth to childhood can reveal the earliest developmental changes that precede the later emergence of autistic traits. Here, Prof Emily Jones asks whether these studies can fulfil their initial promise – of contributing to our understanding of what autism is, how it should be conceptualised, and where (if at all) the varied aetiological factors that contribute to autism converge.
This is a CEN seminar.