Genetic and Environmental Influences on Autistic-Like Behaviors in 2-Year-Old Twins

Edelson, Lisa R.; Saudino, Kimberly J.

doi:10.1007/s10519-009-9270-3

Original Research
Published: 18 April 2009

Genetic and Environmental Influences on Autistic-Like Behaviors in 2-Year-Old Twins

Lisa R. Edelson¹ &
Kimberly J. Saudino¹

Behavior Genetics volume 39, Article number: 255 (2009) Cite this article

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Abstract

This study aims to explore the genetic and environmental contributions to autistic-like behaviors in a general population sample of toddlers. In a classic twin study of 313 same-sex, 2-year-old twin pairs, autistic-like behaviors were assessed via parent ratings on the pervasive developmental problems subscale of the Child Behavior Checklist and observationally using tester ratings on the orientation/engagement subscale of the Behavior Rating Scale. Analyses show moderate, significant heritabilities for both measures of autistic-like behaviors, as well as modest, but significant shared environmental effects. These genetic and environmental influences overlap greatly between the two measures. Autistic-like behaviors in 2-year-old twins are largely genetic in etiology, but are also influenced by a shared environmental component at this age. This is the first study to examine the etiology of such behaviors in a sample of toddlers, thus providing novel information which could guide future research on genetic and environmental factors that affect these behaviors.

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Acknowledgments

The Boston University Twin Project (BUTP) is supported by grant MH062375 from the National Institute of Mental Health. This work was also supported by a predoctoral fellowship from NAAR/Autism Speaks. The authors gratefully acknowledge the parents and twins in the BUTP.

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Department of Psychology, Boston University, 64 Cummington St., Boston, MA, 02215, USA
Lisa R. Edelson & Kimberly J. Saudino

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Lisa R. Edelson
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Kimberly J. Saudino
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Correspondence to Lisa R. Edelson.

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Handling Editor: Michael Joseph Lyons.

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Edelson, L.R., Saudino, K.J. Genetic and Environmental Influences on Autistic-Like Behaviors in 2-Year-Old Twins. Behav Genet 39, 255 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10519-009-9270-3

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Received: 16 October 2008
Accepted: 31 March 2009
Published: 18 April 2009
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10519-009-9270-3

Keywords

Autistic disorder
Behavioral genetics
Child Behavior Checklist