Genetic testing for autism

Has anyone gone to a clinical genetics to
Identify issue ?
I am thinking of going..
useful or not ?

Genetic testing for autism

There’s no true genetic test for autism because there is no known cause of autism. Do you have genetic disorders that can present like autism such as fragile x? I really wouldn’t do genetic testing unless you think there’s something else going on

Re: Genetic testing for autism

When my son was first diagnosed the developmental ped offered us to get his blood drawn for 2 things-Fragile X and I forgot the other thing. She said these tests are not definitive but sometimes come up in kids with autism and genetic testing for autism is still pretty new and insurance only covers these 2 tests. So we figured why not? I wanted to learn as much as I could. I still want to know why? (Doesn’t everyone)? Anyhow, his blood did not show markers for either thing. So that was the only genetic testing we had done.

I just signed us up for a DNA study. Basically you answer questions and they do saliva samples to see if they can see a corrolation. It’s really interesting and non-invasive so I figured why not? I have nothing to lose. This is the link for the study if you are interested. It’s very interesting.

https://sparkforautism.org

Genetic testing for autism

Thanks, we have done the SPARK study, still waiting on it , if they will find something...

Re: Genetic testing for autism

Genetic testing for autism

I’ve never heard of this study and I’m actually surprised at the low concentration of participants from the northeast

Re: Genetic testing for autism

I am actually taking my son to a geneticist tomorrow, I have been putting it off for a few years now, each time our developmental pediatrician referred us to see one. Her reason was my son is lower functioning so it may be good to see if there are any genetic abnormalities that may have contributed to his autism/functioning level, and if they find something then it may be good to know about other risk factors associated with that genetic abnormality. From what I understand they are drawing his blood in the office but won't send it out until they get insurance authorization.

Re: Genetic testing for autism

Just wanted to update on this- so the geneticist that I saw back in late July ran three tests on my son - microarray, chromosomal analysis, and fragile x. All came back normal. Thankfully my insurance covered these tests. The genetic counselor then tried to submit authorization for whole exome sequencing to go into further gene testing, but my insurance would not approve it because they consider it investigative vs. medically necessary. So I just signed up for the SPARK for autism study.

Message edited 9/19/2018 3:08:16 PM.

Re: Genetic testing for autism

Thanks for the update. We never did more advanced genetic testing for the same reason. I am so curious about this. So many children have autism and it especially prevalent in boys. I wonder if they will ever be able to see something in the genetics? Anyhow, we did Spark and I would recommend it although at this point I haven’t heard anything back. I logged in yesterday and it said the kit has arrived and the samples can be used (I sent it in several months ago). So we shall see.

Genetic testing for autism

I am going on October 5 th.
Will update