A group of scientists in Vietnam has identified gene mutations associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Vietnamese children, local media reported.
The discovery comes from a study published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature, conducted by analyzing the genes of 250 autistic children at Hue Central Hospital.
Local scientists have identified 23 gene mutations, some of which are closely linked to ASD. Other mutations are associated with autism traits or other neurological development disorders.
This research contributes to the development of diagnostic solutions, prevention, and early intervention for autism spectrum disorders and early-stage neurological development disorders in children.
Dr. Bui Thanh Duyen, co-founder of Genetica and a genetics and molecular biology researcher at U.S.-based Cornell University, head of the research team, said that detecting autism in early stages is extremely important, especially during the “golden developmental period” from six months to three years of age.
Currently, there is no official research data available regarding the number of autistic children in Vietnam. However, according to the General Statistics Office of Vietnam, in January 2019, there are approximately 6.2 million people with disabilities aged two and above, among whom there are around one million autistic individuals.
(Tuoi Tre [1], vov2.vov.vn [2])