¹Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany

Correspondence: Dr SM Klauck, Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany. Tel: +49 6221 424 745; Fax: +49 6221 423 454; E-mail: s.klauck@dkfz.de

Received 12 October 2005; Revised 14 February 2006; Accepted 15 February 2006.

Abstract

Autism is a highly heritable complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by distinct impairments of cognitive function in the field of social interaction and speech development. Different approaches have been undertaken worldwide to identify susceptibility loci or genes for autism spectrum disorders. No clear conclusions can be made today about genetic loci involved in these disorders. The review will focus on relevant results from the last decade of research with emphasis on whole genome screens and association studies.