Which of the following statements would be the most accurate reflection of the material’s stance on genetics and ASD?

Which of the following statements would be the most accurate reflection of the material’s stance on genetics and ASD?

• A. ASD is clearly genetic
• B. ASD has no genetic component
• C. The material does not assert genetics as the sole cause
• D. Genetics are irrelevant to ASD

Answer: (C)

Genetics and ASD are best understood as multifactorial. The material emphasizes that genetics contribute to ASD risk but do not determine it alone. There is strong evidence for heritability and many genetic variants associated with ASD, including de novo mutations, yet environmental and developmental factors also shape outcomes. So the most accurate reflection is that genetics are not presented as the sole cause. The other statements are too absolute: ASD being “clearly genetic” overstates the certainty, saying there is “no genetic component” ignores substantial genetic findings, and claiming genetics are “irrelevant” dismisses well-supported evidence of genetic involvement.

Genetics and ASD are best understood as multifactorial. The material emphasizes that genetics contribute to ASD risk but do not determine it alone. There is strong evidence for heritability and many genetic variants associated with ASD, including de novo mutations, yet environmental and developmental factors also shape outcomes. So the most accurate reflection is that genetics are not presented as the sole cause. The other statements are too absolute: ASD being “clearly genetic” overstates the certainty, saying there is “no genetic component” ignores substantial genetic findings, and claiming genetics are “irrelevant” dismisses well-supported evidence of genetic involvement.