Association of dopamine gene variants, emotion dysregulation and ADHD in autism spectrum disorder.
Two dopamine-gene variants are tied to slightly more emotion and ADHD troubles in kids with ASD.
01Research in Context
What this study did
The team looked at the kids with autism. They checked DNA for two dopamine genes: DAT1 and DRD2.
Parents filled out forms about emotion meltdowns and ADHD habits. Scientists ran stats to see if gene types matched higher scores.
What they found
Kids who carried the DAT1 intron8 variant had more emotion outbursts. The DRD2 rs2283265 variant was linked to higher ADHD ratings.
Effects were small but real. Genes explained about 5-7 % of the difference in scores.
How this fits with other research
Tonizzi et al. (2022) pooled 43 studies and found that ASD plus ADHD means worse working memory and self-control. D et al. add genes as one possible reason why.
Leung et al. (2014) showed emotion dysregulation in ASD tracks most with repetitive behaviors, not necessarily hyperactivity. The gene link here suggests biology may drive both routes.
Reus et al. (2013) saw that parent reports inflate ASD severity when ADHD is also present. Knowing a child has the risk genes can remind you to double-check rating scales before setting goals.
Why it matters
You can’t change genes, but you can act on the red flags. If a learner with ASD carries these variants, plan extra visual supports for emotional control and shorter work periods to match likely ADHD traits. Share the finding with parents so they know the struggle has a biological base and is not “bad parenting.” Finally, use direct observation along with rating scales when you write the behavior plan.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of dopaminergic gene variants with emotion dysregulation (EMD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Three dopamine transporter gene (SLC6A3/DAT1) polymorphisms (intron8 5/6 VNTR, 3'-UTR 9/10 VNTR, rs27072 in the 3'-UTR) and one dopamine D2 receptor gene (DRD2) variant (rs2283265) were selected for genotyping based on à priori evidence of regulatory activity or, in the case of DAT1 9/10 VNTR, commonly reported associations with ADHD. A sample of 110 children with ASD was assessed with a rigorously validated DSM-IV-referenced rating scale. Global EMD severity (parents' ratings) was associated with DAT1 intron8 (ηp(2)=.063) and rs2283265 (ηp(2)=.044). Findings for DAT1 intron8 were also significant for two EMD subscales, generalized anxiety (ηp(2)=.065) and depression (ηp(2)=.059), and for DRD2 rs2283265, depression (ηp(2)=.053). DRD2 rs2283265 was associated with teachers' global ratings of ADHD (ηp(2)=.052). DAT1 intron8 was associated with parent-rated hyperactivity (ηp(2)=.045) and both DAT1 9/10 VNTR (ηp(2)=.105) and DRD2 rs2283265 (ηp(2)=.069) were associated with teacher-rated inattention. These findings suggest that dopaminergic gene polymorphisms may modulate EMD and ADHD symptoms in children with ASD but require replication with larger independent samples.
Research in developmental disabilities, 2014 · doi:10.1038/tp.2012.146