Researchers have identified a genetic mutation that raises the risk of autism and could also explain some of the other symptoms seen in children with autism.

Although autism and similar disorders can clearly run in families, this is the first study to find a definitive genetic link to the disorder, which affects as many as 1 in 175 U.S. children.

[Read](http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/10/16/autism.genes.reut/index.html “Read the Story”) (Reuters via CNN)