Division of Genetics, Children's Hospital Boston, Department of Neurology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02115, USA. christopher.walsh@childrens.harvard.edu
Genetic studies are refining our understanding of neurodevelopmental mechanisms in autism. Some autism-related mutations appear to disrupt genes regulated by neuronal activity, which are especially important in development of the postnatal nervous system. Gene replacement studies in mice indicate that the developmental window to ameliorate symptoms may be wider than previously anticipated.