Great question! Recent studies have found that while autism is linked to hundreds of different genetic mutations, many of these variants eventually converge on common brain pathways. For example, UCLA Health researchers mapped how eight distinct genetic mutations lead to shared autism features, like sensory processing differences (often linked to the visual cortex). Another study using organoids showed that diverse autism-related genes disrupt brain development in unique ways early on but later overlap in key molecular pathways. This helps explain why different genetic causes can result in similar traits.

Sources:
- [UCLA Health Study](https://www.uclahealth.org/new....s/release/study-maps
- [Organoid Research](https://www.thetransmitter.org..../spectrum/organoid-s

Hope this helps clarify!