Monkey with ASD traits used in 'phenotype first' model

Researchers identified a Japanese macaque exhibiting autistic traits that could be useful in developing a better primate model for autism spectrum disorder. The findings were published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances.

The group, led by Kyoko Yoshida at the Japan Community Healthcare Organization Yugawara Hospital, identified a single macaque displaying ASD traits such as the inability to mimic another monkey's actions. Animals with unusual behavior are typically excluded from further study, but instead the researchers observed and compared the monkey with others displaying more conventional phenotypes. ...