Scientists have found a potential new explanation for why autism affects boys at nearly four times the rate of girls: the male sex chromosome itself may increase the risk.
In a new study published in Nature Communications analyzing data from more than 177,000 patients, researchers found that individuals with an extra male sex chromosome, or the Y chromosome, were twice as likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), while extra X chromosomes showed no such effect.
Understanding ASD and Sex Chromosomes
ASD is characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and behavior patterns, with boys being at significantly greater risk than girls. The reasons behind this disparity have long intrigued researchers….