UCSF

This dissertation is a sociological study of social and scientific representations of autism genetics. Over the last decade, there has been an increase in the awareness and prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and efforts to identify the causes and etiology of this disorder have been unprecedented, particularly in genetics research. To address the production, representations and implications of genetic knowledge of autism, this dissertation maps out, identifies and ultimately compares the various genetic interpretations in four different autism spectrum disorder (ASD) sites, including: health social movements concerned with autism and autism genetics ASD; scientists of various disciplines who study autism genetics; parents of children diagnosed with an ASD who participate in genetics research; and individuals experiencing ASD. Based on over fifty interviews with scientists, parents, and individuals with autism, and the incorporation of grounded theory methods, this dissertation literally "follows the DNA" in order to trace the heterogeneous processes of many institutions, people, theories, materials and practices involved in the production and representation of genetic knowledge.