Autism Affects Boys 4 Times More Often Than Girls. Study Finds Clue to Why
Newsweek
A study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics suggests that genetic differences on the X chromosome may explain why autism is diagnosed four times more often in boys than girls. Researchers found rare variants in the MECP2 gene that could contribute to autism, with mothers potentially shielding themselves from these variants due to having two X chromosomes, while sons are more vulnerable. However, experts caution that genetics alone may not fully explain the disparity, and diagnostic differences may also play a role.
All articles from 15 October 2026. Summaries are AI-generated and may contain errors; the linked article is the authority.