(BBC) – Genetic factors are thought to play a major role in the development of autism – but for decades what they are has proven elusive. Now scientists are starting to uncover clues.

But while this can offer huge benefits for these families, the concept of genetic research is not viewed with universal positivity across the autistic community. Autism is a vast spectrum, ranging from those with severe impairments in physical and mental development which will never allow them to live independently, to others with far fewer support needs who view their autism as an identity and advantage, and oppose depictions of autism as a disorder.

Because of this, for some autistic people, their families and a number of academic researchers, the compilation of genetic data has yielded ongoing concerns about how it might be used. (Read More)