Now that they have identified that some types of autism may be caused by changes in chromosome 16, I can't help but think that genetic testing is not far behind. On the one hand, this may help prepare families to look for early signs of autism and set up therapies as soon as possible. On the other hand, knowing the burden--both financially and emotionally--that comes with autism, will some parents choose to terminate the pregnancy?
This identification may increase the prevalence of children with autism, which has already gone up within the past 10 years, from 1 in 166 to 1 in 150. It may also be the key to more accurate diagnosing, with better-tailored therapies. Time will tell.
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