Re: genetic testing for Autism

Posted By CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS on October 29, 1998 at 17:11:00:

In Reply to: genetic testing for Autism posted by Karen on October 28, 1998 at 10:52:22:






I am 35 and want to have one more child. I have an almost 4 year old son diagnosed with pdd-nos and a 2 year old son that shows delays in speech but not other areas. My question can my husband & I get tested to see if we are a genetic risk for autism. My 1st son was tested for Fragile X at 3 1/2 and it was negative. I had amnio's for both sons when pregnant both came back normal. If I were to try sex selection clinic would my chances be less for autism if I had a girl?
Dear Karen:
As far as I know, there isn't a genetic test for PDD.  The basis for diagnosis is purely clinical as there is no biological marker for PDD NOS.  Since you have rule out fragile X syndrome in your son, this is unlikely to affect the child your planning on having.  I wish there was a biological marker for PDD, and especially a genetic test (then we would know the genetic defect).  Since we do not know the biological defect, there is no data on how and if PDD is inherited.  This implies that sex is likely not an issue.  Best of luck.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro[P] MD RPS