Add Reply
Add Comment As A Guest
Close Topic OptionsTest For Genetic Autism
Test Genetic Autism - Psychology, Special Needs, Health - Posted: 22nd Apr, 2016 - 11:25pm
Posts: 17 - Views: 1746
Sponsored Links:
Autism Genetic Test
It is all in the early stages and it's costly but this is something I found:
QUOTE The next step, already underway at Sick Kids, is to develop a simple and inexpensive DNA test that can pinpoint duplications or deletions on chromosome 16. Right now, autism is diagnosed by assessing a child's behaviour and social communication skills, an often difficult and labour-intensive process, says Rosanna Weksberg, a clinical geneticist and head of clinical and metabolic genetics at Sick Kids.
A DNA test performed as soon as a child exhibits some symptoms could catch autism quickly and early, she says. Studies have shown early intervention, especially when an infant's brain is still developing, can diminish some symptoms.
The promise of genetic tests also raises ethical considerations that researchers are just starting to sort out. For example, how would a potential prenatal DNA test for chromosome 16 mutations be used in family planning?Wendy Roberts, a developmental pediatrician and co-director of the Autism Research Unit at Sick Kids, says even a DNA test of parents would be valuable for predicting the chances of their next child having autism. If the parents do not test positive for the mutation, the likelihood of a second child testing positive is no higher than in the general population, she says. And she knows there is demand for it; the hospital is already fielding calls from parents who have heard about the mutation and want the test.
"If they thought there would be a test available within a year, most (Parents wanting another child) would wait that long," she says.
A DNA test performed as soon as a child exhibits some symptoms could catch autism quickly and early, she says. Studies have shown early intervention, especially when an infant's brain is still developing, can diminish some symptoms.
The promise of genetic tests also raises ethical considerations that researchers are just starting to sort out. For example, how would a potential prenatal DNA test for chromosome 16 mutations be used in family planning?Wendy Roberts, a developmental pediatrician and co-director of the Autism Research Unit at Sick Kids, says even a DNA test of parents would be valuable for predicting the chances of their next child having autism. If the parents do not test positive for the mutation, the likelihood of a second child testing positive is no higher than in the general population, she says. And she knows there is demand for it; the hospital is already fielding calls from parents who have heard about the mutation and want the test.
"If they thought there would be a test available within a year, most (Parents wanting another child) would wait that long," she says.
QUOTE Two independent research teams have pinpointed the genetic glitch behind certain cases of autism, paving the way for the first DNA test to reliably predict who will develop the disorder.
Researchers with the Boston-based Autism Consortium have found that children who carry a missing or duplicated stretch of chromosome 16 have a 100-fold increased risk of developing autism. The mutation, confirmed through genetic scans of more than 1,400 people with autism in three separate study groups, appears most often to be the result of a random quirk not seen in either parent. Published in today's New England Journal of Medicine, the Boston paper estimates the mutation is linked to about 1 per cent of all autism cases.
If the genetic code in this region is deleted - like a sentence missing several words - it cannot be read, said Dr. Scherer, and this seems to result in more severe cases of autism. If the code is duplicated, the disorder appears to be milder - like a sentence in which repeated words make it difficult, but not impossible, to read.
According to Dr. Scherer, "The link between the mutation and autism is so strong that it will herald 'the first highly predictive DNA test for an autism disorder. We are transferring the technology [to perform the test] from our research lab to the diagnostic clinic as we speak."
Researchers with the Boston-based Autism Consortium have found that children who carry a missing or duplicated stretch of chromosome 16 have a 100-fold increased risk of developing autism. The mutation, confirmed through genetic scans of more than 1,400 people with autism in three separate study groups, appears most often to be the result of a random quirk not seen in either parent. Published in today's New England Journal of Medicine, the Boston paper estimates the mutation is linked to about 1 per cent of all autism cases.
If the genetic code in this region is deleted - like a sentence missing several words - it cannot be read, said Dr. Scherer, and this seems to result in more severe cases of autism. If the code is duplicated, the disorder appears to be milder - like a sentence in which repeated words make it difficult, but not impossible, to read.
According to Dr. Scherer, "The link between the mutation and autism is so strong that it will herald 'the first highly predictive DNA test for an autism disorder. We are transferring the technology [to perform the test] from our research lab to the diagnostic clinic as we speak."
Test For Genetic Autism Health & Special Psychology
This will be a great way of knowing whether it is part of the genetics or something that happened during delivery, or the vaccines. The more probabilities that are eliminated the better. If you knew that each child you had will be autistic then it will definitely affect your decision in having more children, BUT I will start a new Thread about that.
Autism Genetic Test
QUOTE (JB @ 16-Mar 09, 8:44 AM) This will be a great way of knowing whether it is part of the genetics or something that happened during delivery, or the vaccines.
It could also be environmental according to new studies.
QUOTE If you knew that each child you had will be autistic then it will definitely affect your decision in having more children, BUT I will start a new Thread about that.
Rather off topic, but...
There is NO way to know that, they can only give you a percentage that could be right or wrong hence it won't affect my decision.
There is NO way to know that, they can only give you a percentage that could be right or wrong hence it won't affect my decision.
Autism Genetic Test
With research like this being done I am sure a much better understanding of the disorder will help for treatment and possible reversals in the future.
I do agree our changing environment will create more genetic side effects like this one as our pollution levels and UV rays rise. Darwin was not completely out of line in his thinking.
I do not think that if genetics are ruled out as the cause of a case of autism that any court would rule against the medical world. In Canada that is almost guaranteed. The USA might have a better chance in such a ruling.
I just hope that if this can be a large stepping stone to understanding other causes for the disorder.
Post Date: 25th Mar, 2016 - 11:30am / Post ID: #
NOTE: News [?]
Test Genetic Autism
Genetic changes that cause autism are more diverse than previously thought
The types of gene mutations that contribute to autism are more diverse than previously thought, report researchers. The findings, they say, represent a significant advance in efforts to unravel the genetic basis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Ref. Source 4t.
Post Date: 22nd Apr, 2016 - 11:25pm / Post ID: #
NOTE: News [?]
Test Genetic Autism Psychology Special & Health
UCSD joins massive autism study
UC San Diego will participate in the largest genetic autism study ever undertaken in the United States. The university is one of 21 research centers that will collect DNA and other clinical information from 50,000 Americans diagnosed with the disorder. Ref. Source 6m.
TOPIC: Test For Genetic Autism