Association of COMT (Val158Met) and BDNF (Val66Met) gene polymorphisms with anxiety, ADHD and tics in children with autism spectrum disorder.

The team looked at two gene variants in autistic children. One gene is COMT. The other is BDNF.

They asked parents and teachers to rate anxiety, ADHD, and tics. Then they checked if certain gene forms matched higher scores.

Kids with the COMT Met form showed a small link to social phobia.

The same gene mix also tied to slightly more ADHD and tics. All effects were small and need repeat tests.

A later study from the same lab, Berkovits et al. (2014), widened the gene list. They added DAT1 and DRD2 and still saw small links to ADHD and emotion ups and downs.

A 2013 Egyptian study, Fahmie et al. (2013), used a different rating scale but found the same COMT pattern. Hyperactivity scores were higher in kids with the Val/Val form.

Roohi et al. (2009) looked at a third gene, MAO-A, in the same year. They also saw more ADHD and anxiety in boys with one allele. Together these papers say, "Many small gene nudges, not one big cause."

You cannot order a gene test and predict behavior. You can know that ADHD, anxiety, and tics often ride along with autism. When you see sharp jumps in those problems, think about extra support, not just stricter ABA targets. Track progress on each issue separately and share data with the medical team.