Mapping the association of polygenic risk scores with autism and ADHD traits in a single city region

BackgroundThe genetic and environmental aetiology of autistic and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) traits is known to vary spatially, but does this translate into variation in the association of specific common genetic variants? MethodsWe mapped associations between polygenic scores for autism and ADHD and their respective traits in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (N=4,255 to 6,165) across the area surrounding Bristol, UK, and compared them to maps of environments associated with the prevalence of autism and ADHD. ResultsOur maps suggest genetic associations vary spatially, with consistent patterns for autistic traits across polygenic scores constructed at different p-value thresholds. Patterns for ADHD traits were more variable across thresholds. We found that the spatial distributions often correlated with known environmental influences. ConclusionsThese findings shed light on the factors that contribute to the complex interplay between the environment and genetic influences in autism and ADHD traits. Key pointsO_LIThe prevalence of autism and ADHD vary spatially. C_LIO_LIOur study highlights that genetic influences based on PGS also vary spatially. C_LIO_LIThis spatial variation correlates with spatial variation in environmental characteristics as well, which would be interesting to examine further. C_LIO_LIOur findings have implications for future research in this area examining the factors that contribute to the complex interplay between the environment and genetic influences on autistic and ADHD traits. C_LI