The 2007 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines, followed by clinicians in the United States, as well as many international physicians, recommend the use of genetic testing as part of a comprehensive ASD evaluation (Johnson and Myers 2007). Behavioral tests are the mainstay for ASD diagnosis, but genetic testing, such as microarray analysis, can be used to identify known genetic disorders that may provide a conceptual framework for symptom presentation. In addition, gene-environment interactions are believed to have an important role in the etiology of the disorder (Lai et al. ASD is a highly genetic condition with numerous known genetic risk factors (Anagnostou et al. It will be crucial to carefully consider and address bioethical issues surrounding this sensitive topic while developing such technology.Īutism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses a set of heterogeneous conditions, characterized by atypical development in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviors and interests (Lai et al. There is broad parent interest in a genetic/epigenetic test for ASD. Child developmental status impacted insurance concerns (p = 0.01). Most reported familiarity with genetics (88%), but few understood differences from epigenetics (19%).

None (0%) doubted scientific evidence behind genetic/epigenetic testing. Some had concerns about privacy (14%) and insurance-status (10%). Most parents (96%) were interested in saliva-based molecular testing for ASD. Parents of children with ASD (n = 131), non-ASD developmental delay (n = 39), and typical development (n = 74) completed surveys assessing genetic/epigenetic knowledge, genetic/epigenetic concerns, motives for research participation, and attitudes/preferences toward ASD testing. Parent perspectives toward genetic/epigenetic testing for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are not well-studied.

Examining community views on genetic/epigenetic research allows collaborative technology development.

Testing for autism spectrum