Researchers are one step closer to understanding the genetic roots of autism. About eight or nine genes are known to play a role in autism, but new data identify many more that are involved. Over the next two years, the team behind this new research hopes to uncover all of the genes involved in autism, of which there may be several hundred. Identifying these genes is of particular importance because they may help doctors diagnose patients early in life and also lead to new pharmaceutical treatments for the condition.