Genetics of weight gain in people on autism spectrum disorder medicine

Genetics of weight gain in people on autism spectrum disorder medicine

What is autism spectrum disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others. The disorder also includes limited and repetitive patterns of behavior. The term “spectrum” in ASD refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity.

ASD begins in early childhood and can cause problems functioning in society, such as in school and at work. Often children show symptoms of autism within the first year. Different symptoms may come and go during the first few years of a child’s development.

While there is no cure for ASD, early treatment can make a big difference in the lives of many children. One treatment for ASD is the use of atypical antipsychotics (ATAP). A side effect of this is weight gain, but it is unclear why it makes some people gain weight.

How was the research done?

Researchers will create a computer program that predicts how a certain medication called ATAP might cause weight gain in people with ASD based on their electronic health records. They will also study how a person’s genes might affect their risk of gaining weight while taking ATAP.

What is the importance of this study?

This study will allow researchers to look at the effects of this medication. Many people with ASD take ATAP and are at risk of gaining weight. This weight gain can lead to health problems like diabetes and heart disease. Researchers want to find ways to predict who might be at risk of gaining weight so they can help prevent it. This will improve the health of people with ASD who need to take ATAP.