Comments on: Not All Genetic Tests are Prenatal

By: Autism Vox » Genetics and Autism Interview

Autism Vox » Genetics and Autism Interview — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 16:11:12 +0000

[...] Via both our blogs, we experienced some confusion over genetic tests offered by the Baylor Medical Genetics Labs. How well would you say the general public understands the difference between genetic testing as an adjunct to treatment vs. prenatal testing? [...]

By: Genetics and Health » Multiple Genes for Autism

Genetics and Health » Multiple Genes for Autism — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 09:56:42 +0000

[...] What I’ve repeatedly said here about genetics research on controversial diseases, disorders, or characteristics is that it is not about the elimination of “undesirable” people from the population. Genetic testing isn’t always about prenatal diagnosis and abortion. Certainly, there are some who believe in eugenics but the majority of scientists are looking for genetic information that enhances diagnosis and treatment. [...]

By: Genetics and Health » Saturday Genetics Quiz #40: Prenatal Genetic Testing

Genetics and Health » Saturday Genetics Quiz #40: Prenatal Genetic Testing — Sat, 20 May 2006 20:37:52 +0000

[...] This week’s hot button topic was all about prenatal testing so I’ll just round out the discussion with this week’s genetics quiz question: [...]

By: Autism Vox » Them’s Fighting Words 2: Genetic Testing, Prenatal

Autism Vox » Them’s Fighting Words 2: Genetic Testing, Prenatal — Wed, 17 May 2006 20:10:02 +0000

[...] A few days ago, I posted about a genetic test for autism. As Hsien at Genetics and Health posted, “not all genetic tests are prenatal.” The genetic test I mentioned, Chromosomal Microarray Analysis (CMA), is not a prenatal genetic test for autism. [...]

By: Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD

Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD — Wed, 17 May 2006 18:47:05 +0000

Judson: Yup, you got it! Genetic tests have quite a few uses and to only think of it in terms of prenatal testing, abortions, etc. ignores all the potential they hold for improving our health.

By: Judson

Judson — Wed, 17 May 2006 18:43:37 +0000

Don’t forget the multitude of genetic tests for acquired abnormalities (cancer). I don’t think it really gets overlooked, but the area is so different it’s not usually in the same conversation.

By: Kristina

Kristina — Wed, 17 May 2006 13:16:45 +0000

I will, and I really need your help in this area, needless to say!

Genetic testing is a “fighting word” in autism discussions, esp. among autistic adults who immediately connect it with eugenics. But as a parent I wish very much that we had known earlier about Charlie having autism. Looking back, there were plenty of signs when he was 10 months and younger and I wish we could have started specialized therapy for him. Not to “cure” him, at all, but to help him.

Thanks again—

By: Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD

Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD — Tue, 16 May 2006 22:08:31 +0000

Kristina: I would love it if you would post more about it because there seems to be a lot of misperceptions about genetic tests and how they can be used (and misused). The key point I think people need to remember is that for most complex diseases like autism, only the media is eager to declare the use and availability of prenatal tests. Medical professionals and families are understandably leery.

By: Kristina

Kristina — Tue, 16 May 2006 22:03:41 +0000

Hi Hsien!

Thanks for this.

I didn’t think the Baylor test was a prenatal genetic test, though some readers of the website might be misled about that.

Nonetheless, genetic testing is a controversial topic in autism discussions, especially among autistic adults, I think. Sites like yours, with their thoughtful and informed perspective, provide the insights that we all need.

Hope you don’t mind if I post more about these kinds of tests at AutismVox.