Deciphering the Language in Our DNA and Leveraging the Discoveries Toward Improved Outcomes: Introduction to the Forum

The authors trace the history of investigating genotype-phenotype associations in their areas of specialty and discuss how technological advances have fueled recent insights in large participant samples. In addition, we show how insights from genetic studies of spoken and written language can be leveraged toward novel interventions based on principles of precision medicine, namely personalized and proactive approaches, with the goal of improved outcomes. A disclaimer is that genetic changes reflect only one of many sources of influence on the human capacity of verbal communication; many others-for instance microbiomes and the physical, social, and cultural environments-should also be acknowledged.