A study had revealed that autism is more difficult to understand, than previously thought. In the study DNA of 2,300 people from across the world was analyzed. It is claimed that the research will help in understanding autism better and in identifying children with autism.

The study was conducted by researchers from Canada, the United States and Europe. In the study, data of 1,000 people who were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder was analyzed. It also analyzed data of
1,300 other people who were not carrying any traces of autism.

It was found by the researchers that people who had autism were found to be having gene mutations in the form of duplicated or missing bits of DNA.

While some of these mutations passed from a parent to a child during the birth process, some of the mutations were not passed and may have been developed during the conception. These mutations had an important impact on the ability of the growth of brain cells and communication.

The researchers were able to understand autism causes in only 3.3% of the cases. They however, felt that each autism patient had unique genetic condition.

The latest study's findings have been published in the journal Nature.

Autism affects one in every 165 children. Researchers claim that more research is needed to identify the genetic causes, which lead to autism.