ASD and schizophrenia show distinct developmental profiles in common genetic overlap with population-based social communication difficulties.

ABSTRACT: Difficulties in social communication are part of the phenotypic overlap between autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and schizophrenia. Both conditions follow, however, distinct developmental patterns. Symptoms of ASD typically occur during early childhood, whereas most symptoms characteristic of schizophrenia do not appear before early adulthood. We investigated whether overlap in common genetic influences between these clinical conditions and impairments in social communication depends on the developmental stage of the assessed trait. Social communication difficulties were measured in typically-developing youth (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, N⩽5553, longitudinal assessments at 8, 11, 14 and 17 years) using the Social Communication Disorder Checklist. Data on clinical ASD (P

SUBMITTER: St Pourcain B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5382976 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature