Autism should not be seen as single condition with one cause, say scientists

Those diagnosed in early childhood were found more likely to show behavioural difficulties from early on, but remain stable. Photograph: andreswd/Getty Images

Autism should not be viewed as a single condition with a unified underlying cause, according to scientists who found that those diagnosed early in childhood typically have a distinct genetic profile to those diagnosed later.

The international study, based on genetic data from more than 45,000 autistic people in Europe and the US, showed that those diagnosed in early childhood, typically before six years old, were more likely to show behavioural difficulties from early childhood, including problems with social interaction, but remain stable.