ATLANTA (AP) -- More than $1 billion has been spent over the past decade searching for the causes of autism. Now, experts say they're seeing the beginning of a wave of scientific reports that should strengthen some theories, jettison others and perhaps even herald new drugs.

The causes of autism are believed to be complicated. In many cases, autism can be blamed on a combination of genetics and other factors.

Over the years, dozens of genes that appear to influence the risk of the autism have been identified. And a half-dozen drug companies are said to be working on developing new treatments.

Says one expert with the group Autism Speaks: "It's going to be an exciting time, we hope," when some of those results come in.