Genetic insights into autism spectrum disorder with intellectual disability: a regional population-based study from Northwest China - Report - MDSpire

Genetic insights into autism spectrum disorder with intellectual disability: a regional population-based study from Northwest China

  • By

  • Yanrui Dai

  • Rui Yao

  • Tianju Du

  • Xiaochen Wang

  • Nan Dou

  • Feixuan Zhang

  • Li Liu

  • June 25, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Genetic Analysis of Autism Spectrum Disorder with Intellectual Disability

Overview

This study investigates the genetic etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with intellectual disability (ID) in Northwest China, identifying a positive detection rate of 36.0% among 125 children. Significant differences in clinical phenotypes were observed between positive and negative cases.

Background

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interactions and communication difficulties. The etiology of ASD is complex, with genetic factors playing a significant role.

Data Highlights

ParameterValue
Sample Size125
Positive Cases45
Positive Detection Rate36.0%
Male-to-Female Ratio2:1
Copy Number Variations8
Single-Nucleotide Variations37

Key Findings

  • A total of 125 children with ASD and ID were analyzed.
  • 45 positive cases were identified, resulting in a 36.0% positive detection rate.
  • Significant differences in gross motor developmental delay and abnormal electroencephalograms were noted between positive and negative groups (q < 0.05).
  • There was a significant difference in ASD severity between the positive and negative groups (χ2 = 10.20, P < 0.01).
  • Eight cases had copy number variations, while 37 had single-nucleotide variations/insertions and deletions.
  • Patients with identified genetic variants may present with more complex clinical phenotypes.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate the potential role of genetic testing in identifying ASD with ID.

Conclusion

This study contributes to the understanding of the genetic factors associated with ASD and ID.

Related Resources & Content

  1. BMC Psychiatry (Springer), 2025 -- Characterizing Symptoms of SpLD, ADHD, and ASD in Chinese Children: A Biopsychosocial and Transdiagnostic Approach
  2. BMC Psychiatry (Springer), 2025 -- Investigation of Plasma and Urinary Neurotransmitter Levels in Chinese Pediatric Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  3. Brain, 2025 -- Neuropathological comorbidity, genetics and cognition in a Chinese community-based autopsy cohort
  4. Genetic Evaluation of the Child With Intellectual Disability or Global Developmental Delay: Clinical Report | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
  5. npj Digital Medicine — Quantitative Evaluation of Atypical Facial Expression Patterns in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Through Naturalistic Interaction Dynamics
  6. Genetic Evaluation for Neurodevelopmental Disorders: New Guidance - HealthyChildren.org
  7. Genetic testing for diagnosing neurodevelopmental disorders and epilepsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  8. Genetic Evaluation of the Child With Intellectual Disability or Global Developmental Delay: Clinical Report | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
  9. Decomposition of phenotypic heterogeneity in autism reveals underlying genetic programs | Nature Genetics
  10. Genetic and phenotypic analysis of 225 Chinese children with developmental delay and/or intellectual disability using whole-exome sequencing - PMC

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