The Genetic Influences on Autism Spectrum Disorder Risk
- Speaker
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Elise Robinson, Sc.D.Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University
Simons Foundation Lectures are free public colloquia related to basic science and mathematics. These high-level talks are intended for professors, students, postdocs and business professionals, but interested people from the metropolitan area are welcome as well.
For decades, scientists have known that genetic factors contribute to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Ongoing research is identifying the genes responsible, and recent studies have produced an unprecedented volume of genetic associations to ASDs.
In this lecture, Elise Robinson will provide an overview of these findings. She will discuss both rare and common genetic risk factors. She will also outline challenges to the interpretation of these findings as well as the next steps in understanding the role genetics plays in autism.