A recent study has revealed an important connection between Turner syndrome and autism. The study found that nearly two-thirds of individuals with Turner syndrome show traits of autism, and about 23% meet the criteria for a clinical autism diagnosis.
Turner syndrome is a condition that affects about 4 in every 10,000 girls. It occurs when one of the X chromosomes is missing or incomplete. People with this condition are often shorter than average and may have problems with hearing or infertility. But now, scientists have discovered that many of them also struggle with social skills, similar to individuals with autism.
“The social challenges these girls face are not because of their height or hearing issues but because they don’t understand social rules naturally,” says lead researcher Jeanne Wolstencroft from University College London.
The study, which surveyed 127 girls aged 5 to 19, found that 61% of them displayed autism-like behaviors that affected their daily lives. Researchers also found that these girls often experience attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety, which frequently occur alongside autism.
Experts believe the missing X chromosome may play a key role in brain development, making individuals with Turner syndrome more sensitive to genetic changes linked to autism.
The findings offer new insights for doctors and families, suggesting that screening for autism traits could help children with Turner syndrome receive better support.
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