Association of verbal and non-verbal theory of mind abilities with non-coding variants of OXTR in youth with autism spectrum disorder and typically developing individuals: a case-control study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The ability to attribute mental states to others is called theory of mind (ToM) and is a substantial component of social cognition. This ability is abnormally developed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Several studies over the past decade have identified the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) and its variants as promising components for explaining the molecular mechanisms underlying Theory of Mind (ToM). The main aim of this study is to examine the association between rs2268498 and rs53576, two functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and verbal and non-verbal ToM in children and adolescents with ASD and a group of typically developing youth.

Methods

The study involved 44 children and adolescents with high-functioning ASD aged 8 to 18 years

SUBMITTER: Ghamari R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10773038 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature