expressivity

expressivity /ex·pres·siv·i·ty/ (eks″pres-siv´ĭ-te) in genetics, the extent to which an inherited trait is manifested by an individual.

---

expressivity

[eks′presiv′itē]

Etymology: L, exprimere, to make clear

the variability with which basic patterns of inheritance are modified, both in degree and in variety, by the effect of a given gene in people of the same genotype. For example, polydactyly may be expressed as extra toes in one generation and extra fingers in another.

---

expressivity,

n variance in the inheritance patterns of genes in people with a common genotype—for instance, polydactyly being expressed as extra fingers in one generation and extra toes in the next.

---

expressivity

the extent to which a heritable trait is manifested by an individual carrying the principal gene or genes that determine it. Called also genetic expressivity.

---

expressivity

The extent to which an inherited trait or disease is manifested in the phenotype. It is a qualitative evaluation unlike penetrance. Syn. expression.

---

Patient discussion about expressivity.

Q. What role does emotion have in the life of someone with autism? I just find the whole disorder of autism hard to understand because I'm a really emotional person. I'm especially interested in how people with mild autism or Asperger's can function fine but then when it comes to feeling empathy they have such trouble. I guess my question is how such people experience emotion--are these people actually unable to care about others? My intention is not to sound ignorant, I'm genuinely curious.

A. I have Asperger's syndrome. People with autism spectrum disorders do have feelings and emotions. Many of us lack empathy, but that doesn't mean we don't care about others. For example when someone is really excited about something nice in their life, we may not get excited too. It's not that we don't care, it's just that we don't experience other people's emotions with them. I can be happy for them while not really understanding or feeling the excitement involved. We don't know exactly what the other person feels like and therefore we can hardly share in feeling those emotions with them. We also don't always express our emotions or we don't do it the same way as others.

Q. where do the expression "going back on the wagon " come from?

A. http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/on-the-wagon.html