Genetic Studies of Autism and Lived Experience Perspectives

Autism and Autistic traits are highly heritable. This thesis broadly examined the relationship between autism and genetics. Through application of analytical, experimental, and qualitative methodologies, it has sought to: better define the contribution of genetic variation to the aetiology of autism, develop tools to facilitate future genetic investigations, and understand how research of this nature is perceived by Autistic people and their allies in Australia. The findings provide novel evidence and resources from which to further explore the role of genetics in autism, and highlight opportunities to leverage expertise-by-experience in autism genetics research.