Can genetic testing during pregnancy test for autism?

[Anonymous]

It's been a while since I was pregnant and genetic testing wasn't a thing. I was attending a baby shower recently and the mom to be was very sure of herself that her baby was the picture perfect healthy baby due to the genetic testing she opted for.

It wasn't even a mandatory test she requested it. So with autism being everywhere these days can these genetic tests pick up on it?

[Libby22]

No.

[Anonymous 2]

I don’t think so. The mom really overstated what her test told her. There’s no way to know about many aspects of a baby’s health through genetic testing.

[Anonymous 3]

No.

[Godstar]

Nope. It wasn't found in my son until he was 13. He has Aspergers.

[Anonymous 1 - Original Poster]

There should be honesty

Quoting Libby22: No.

[Fat.Bottom.Girl]

Yes and no. Amniocentesis can reveal something like Fragile X syndrome which has a high rate of Autism associated with it. I believe it is the #1 known genetic cause of Autism. As far as there being a general test to identify Autism, no.

[Anonymous 1 - Original Poster]

She is a first time mom so I just smiled

Quoting Anonymous 2: I don’t think so. The mom really overstated what her test told her. There’s no way to know about many aspects of a baby’s health through genetic testing.

[Libby22]

That’s not possible at this point. Genetic testing is limited to trisomies (duplication of certain chromosomes). It can’t detect the complex genetic mutations behind autism.

Quoting Anonymous 1: There should be honesty

Quoting Libby22: No.

[Fat.Bottom.Girl]

Well, if it isn't caused by a genetic disorder, a genetic test can't identify it.

Quoting Anonymous 1: There should be honesty

Quoting Libby22: No.

[Anonymous 1 - Original Poster]

Interesting what made you get him tested

Quoting Godstar: Nope. It wasn't found in my son until he was 13. He has Asbergers.