Whole Genome Study of Mathematical Ability

Ian Craig, Bhismadev Chakrabarti, Simon Baron-Cohen, Carrie Allison, Laura Murphy, Allen Chan

This genetic association study is examining specific candidate genes chosen for their role in neural development or neural function, to see if single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these candidate genes differ in their frequencey between mathematicians and non-mathematicians; or scientists compared to non-scientists. These groups have been chosen as clear examples of individuals who are talented at systemizing.

We are also conducting full genome association scans using chips with 500,000 SNPs. We aim to test if the same or different assocations are found in Asperger Syndrome compared to mathematicians.