Genetics in Autism Revealed
By: Samantha Daniels
What is Austin Spectrum Disorder?
- It is associated as a collection of symptoms
- Prevalence is difficult to measure because of wide range of symptoms
- Behaviors can be associated with Fragile X Syndrome
- Genetically linked, with some teratogen exposure cases
The Basics
However, reasearch behind ASD is booming. With an abundance of financial funding, and patient and family involvement, research and its finding has improved substantially in respects to ASD. One very important research study included the Autism Genome Project, conducted in 2004 sampled almost 12,000 blood samples of families touched by Autism (National Autism Network, 2015). Multiple techniques were used, including microarray analysis, which helps determine where genes are located, and "linkage analysis", which helps correlate the sampled DNA affected with ASD, to DNA not affected with ASD (Farley, P., 2015). The use of whole-genome sequencing is also being used in order to identify the smallest of the small mutations within a DNA sequence.
Is Genetic Testing Worth it?
Hard Work Pays Off
How Does This Effect Nurses Today?
Family planning is also a consideration with the increase in genetic research of ASD. Families are going to be able to understand their risks and potential treatment plans for their future children. Know risks and options for their family will help put worried minds to ease, and will help in aiding for early intervention programs for patients with ASD.
Sources
Farley, P. (2015, September 28). New Autism Genes are Revealed in Largest-Ever Study. University of California, San Francisco. Retrieved from https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2015/09/131871/new-autism-genes-are-revealed-largest-ever-study
Thompson, D. (2015, September 2). Genetic Test Offers New Clues to Autism. CBS News. Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/news/genetic-tests-offer-new-clues-to-autism/
Autism Speaks: Genetics and Genomics. (2015, November 16) Retrieved from https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/initiatives/autism-genome-project
Beery, T (2012). Genetics and Genomics in Nursing and Healthcare. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company