# Investigating the Genetic Basis for Quantitative Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Traits

> **NIH NIH F31** · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · 2021 · $43,883

## Abstract

Project Summary / Abstract
 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by social communication
deficits and restricted, repetitive behaviors and interests. It currently affects an estimated 1 in 59 children in the
United States. ASD-relevant traits vary on a continuum throughout the population. Both the disorder itself and a
measure of its overall traits are heritable. Additionally, domains of ASD behaviors (i.e. social communication,
restricted repetitive behaviors) can be inherited independently. Most genetics studies use a categorical
phenotype (diagnosis vs. no diagnosis), which limits the ability to dissect the biology of autism traits. The overall
objective of the current study is to determine the structure and heritability of autism quantitative traits in order to
make quantitative genetic studies of autism possible. Specific Aim 1 will determine the relationship among
quantitative measures of autistic behaviors in ASD without intellectual disability. Specific Aim 2 will evaluate the
heritability and co-heritability of quantitative autistic traits. Specific Aim 3 will determine the contribution of ASD
PRS to quantitative autistic traits. Completion of these aims will provide better understanding of the behavioral
structure of ASD without intellectual disability (ID) and the genetic contributions to that structure, ultimately
facilitating quantitative genetic studies of autism and development of more precise, biology-based treatments.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10141566
- **Project number:** 1F31MH125539-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Sara Taylor
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $43,883
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-01-01 → 2021-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10141566

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10141566, Investigating the Genetic Basis for Quantitative Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Traits (1F31MH125539-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10141566. Licensed CC0.

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