"Genetic mutation discovered in people with autism," The Daily Telegraph reports.
The newspaper goes on to say that this mutation "cuts communication between brain cells to about one-tenth of normal levels" and offers "a likely explanation" for the cognitive and behavioural difficulties experienced by people with autism.
This headline is loosely based on recent research into the impact of a previously discovered genetic mutation on the ability of brain cells to transmit signals. The Telegraph speculated that misfiring signals could cause the symptoms of autism.
The study was conducted using rat brain cells, and did not involve people with autism directly.
The researchers described the detailed molecular processes that occur between brain cells when the level of a specific protein is changed. Previous research had discovered that mutations to the gene that controls this protein occurred in people with some types of autism. The authors found that varying the level of this protein affected other proteins responsible for communication between the rats' brain cells.
The research did not, however, examine the impact of this disrupted communication in people with autism, and should not be interpreted as offering "a likely explanation for their cognitive and behavioural difficulties" as reported by the Telegraph.
In addition, many experts think that autism may arise as the result of a combination of factors – not just genetics. Viewing autism as a purely genetic disease may well be an over-simplification.
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