Breathtaking teamwork in fighting autism

Scientists and 200 families in the Northwest have contributed to uncovering clues to one of the great mysteries of autism — what causes it.

In this week's issue of Nature Genetics, the Autism Genome Project published findings that suggest a link between autism and a specific gene as well as a section of a different chromosome. With more work discerning the genetic landscape that contributes to autism, the disorder might eventually be diagnosed at birth. That would direct families to begin the critical early intervention that can help these children overcome, as much as possible, autism's debilitating social and communication challenges.

The news is especially heartening, considering the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this month announced autism was more prevalent than previously thought. About one in every 150 children is believed to be on the autism spectrum, which ranges from people who need constant supervision and total assistance to people who can live and work independently.

Besides the findings, the Autism Genome Project is itself a breathtaking achievement in collaboration. More than 120 scientists from 19 countries in North America and Europe are participating. including Gerard Schellenberg, a University of Washington geneticist, and Geraldine Dawson, director of the UW Autism Center.

Of the 1,168 participating families — they have at least two children with the disorder — 200 came from the Northwest, thanks to the focus and work of the Autism Center.

In December, President Bush signed a law directing $1 billion over the next five years to combat autism through research, screening, early intervention and training. The Washington Legislature also is poised to consider the recommendations in the Caring for Individuals with Autism Task Force with four related bills filed, including one that would focus on early-diagnosis centers throughout the state.

The key to fighting autism is to help children build their brains and skills to minimize the disorder's effects. But that work should begin as early as possible, making early detection crucial.

The Autism Genome Project clearly is on the case of cracking this mystery.