Asperger disorder

Asperger disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder in a group of disorders known as Pervasive Development Disorders (PDDs). In contrast to autism, individuals with Asperger disorder do not have a delay in spoken language development. However, they can have serious problems with social and communication skills. They also may have obsessive, repetitive routines and preoccupation with particular subjects (for example, the weather or bus schedules).

In 1995, our research group began investigating the genetic (inherited) basis of autistic disorder. MIHG researchers have successfully identified regions of the human genome likely to be important in autism. This success opened new doors and raised new research questions:

• What is the genetic basis of Asperger disorder?
• Are autism and Asperger disorder caused by the same genetic factors?

In the spring of 2002, we began a new study to investigate these questions. By applying expertise gained from the autism study, MIHG researchers hope to identify genes involved in the development of Asperger disorder.