What is Autism? What is genetic testing for Autism?

The autism spectrum disorder or ASD is a developmental disability that is characterised by certain social and behavioural patterns. ASD can begin as early as age 3 and can be lifelong for several children. It's important to get testing done for your child if they are starting to show symptoms.

Key factors such as family history, genetics, environment, age of mother, and premature birth may be risk factors for ASD. However, there isn't a single cause or reason why some kids get autism, which is why testing is key. 

When trying to explore what is genetic testing for autism, it is important to know what autism is exactly. It is essentially a developmental disability that impacts how children interact with the world.

Children can display social and behavioural signs that are different from that of children without ASD. This can impact their daily lives, progress at school, and other avenues. Parents can test for autism and provide the right care to their kids early on.

Parents are also recommended to get tested for Fragile x syndrome along with a genetic test for complete analysis. The results of complete condition testing can provide more insight to you when your child is displaying the most common signs.

Largely, children with autism spectrum disorder may experience both social and repetitive behavioural patterns. These can be mapped and identified as below.

Your child could prefer not to speak or may not be able to speak clearly when they have autism.

They may display a lack of gesturing that can be accompanied by reclusiveness.

Those with ASD may have a greater difficulty with making eye contact with others.

Kids with autism spectrum disorders may not be able to make complete facial expressions like other children.

Children of the spectrum may show flapping, swinging, and other repetitive behaviours.

In the event that your child has ASD, they may have stronger fixations on objects, subjects, topics, etc.

A child with ASD may have hyper-focused routines or rituals that they must follow.

Kids with autism may display a greater sensitivity or aversion to being touched.

Some children with autism spectrum disorder may have a shorter attention span or be more impulsive.

A significant behaviour that shouldn't be ignored is aggressiveness towards elders and other kids.

Children with ASD may prefer to say the same words or phrases repeatedly.

Your children may showcase a difficulty in expressing needs or desires with you directly.

If your child is displaying any of these symptoms then it is important to get an autism test done immediately.

Genetic testing may be able to provide more insight into genetic mutations that may be responsible for autism. These may be identified through a molecular diagnosis, which can help parents in providing the right treatment and care for children.

It is also important to note that the sooner you get tested the better it is for your child. This is so that they can be provided the right personalized care which limits the negative impact of undiagnosed ASD.

You can provide the right learning, social, and behavioural tools to help your children flourish like other children their age. You can also help them improve their communication skills and enable them to interact with the world in a clearer way.

* Medical Disclaimer - The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphic, and images, are intended as substitutes for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice pertaining to your condition(s).