genetic testing for ASD

[Anonymous]

any one heard of new genetic testing from IntegraGen?

If this is offered anywhere in DC/VA/MD please let us know.

[Anonymous]

I can't imagine this is legitimate. There is no "autism gene". While there's definitely a strong genetic component, the theory is that it isn't just one gene. It seems to me that if you test "negative" you'll have a false sense of security.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can't imagine this is legitimate. There is no "autism gene". While there's definitely a strong genetic component, the theory is that it isn't just one gene. It seems to me that if you test "negative" you'll have a false sense of security.

Agree.

[Anonymous]

OP here. From what I read, Integragen test examines 65 genetic markers. This number, of course, may increase in future.

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120404006131/en/IntegraGen-Launches-ARISk%E2%84%A2-Test-Genetic-Screening-Tool#.VApKNPldXpU


And yes, like most other tests, this test too would have its own limitations.

[Anonymous]

Even if it was for real, what will it accomplish. The developmental ped suggested we do genetic testing and it didn't turn up anything.

[Anonymous]

OP,

There isn't a test that will screen prenatally for autism.

If you have a child with an ASD diagnosis (or suspected ASD), genetic testing may or may not be useful to you:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2603481/

"Genetic screens represent a powerful tool when dealing with monogenic mendelian disorders, characterised by direct genotype–phenotype correlations. In the case of complex disorders, such as ASD, widespread genetic testing would not only be expensive and time-consuming, but also generally inappropriate due to the aetiological complexity described above…"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. From what I read, Integragen test examines 65 genetic markers. This number, of course, may increase in future.

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120404006131/en/IntegraGen-Launches-ARISk%E2%84%A2-Test-Genetic-Screening-Tool#.VApKNPldXpU


And yes, like most other tests, this test too would have its own limitations.

I hadn't heard of it, but I read some of their information. And based on it, I don't see that much good can come of it. It can only show in the most extreme case a 2-4x increased probability vs. a sibling of someone with autism. So it sounds like it will give everyone something to worry about but it won't give anybody the comfort of knowing one way or the other.