{"id":88866,"date":"2026-03-03T07:30:34","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T14:30:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=88866"},"modified":"2026-03-03T07:30:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T14:30:34","slug":"genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/","title":{"rendered":"More people are getting diagnosed with autism, but the causes aren’t clear. Genetic testing can provide answers for some people who are on the autism spectrum."},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>
\"Genetic
Genetic testing can help patients and families understand why a person has autism and can give doctors and caregivers insights into developmental differences. Photo: Getty Images.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

More and more children and adults are getting diagnosed with autism, and while the number of people who have autism or autism spectrum disorder is on the rise, the causes remain unclear.<\/p>\n

You might have heard misinformation about links between Tylenol use during pregnancy and increased risk of autism<\/a>, but researchers are focusing much more on genetic causes for autism rather than focusing on medications women use during pregnancy.<\/p>\n

A study\u00a0<\/a>on autism and genetics<\/a> that researchers published last July has generated significant discussion among both\u00a0<\/span>medical experts and members of the public.<\/p>\n

One of the researchers’ key conclusions was that people with autism fall into four categories, broadly based on the degree of their developmental delays, social challenges and other health issues. The researchers raised many questions about autism, including what causes it and how genetics and the environment \u2014 and the interplay between genes and environmental factors \u2014 may influence brain development.<\/p>\n

The study authors also highlighted the idea that a single word or term \u2014 \u201cautism\u201d or \u201cautism spectrum disorder\u201d \u2014 is not sufficient to describe or understand a condition that affects children and adults in many different ways.<\/p>\n

For example, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th<\/sup> Edition (DSM-5<\/a>) \u2014 which summarizes psychiatric conditions \u2014 lists five different criteria<\/a> for a diagnosis of autism. The criteria center on persistent difficulties in \u201csocial communication and interaction\u201d and \u201crepetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities.\u201d The real-life dramas, however, center much more on how <\/em>these challenges play out for individuals.<\/p>\n

\"Dr.
Dr. Jessica Solomon Sanders treats children and adults with autism at UCHealth and at Children\u2019s Hospital Colorado. Photo by the University of Colorado Anschutz.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To learn more about autism and the challenges it presents for both patients and doctors, we spoke with Dr. Jessica Solomon Sanders<\/a>, a specialist in neurodevelopmental disabilities who treats adults and children with autism at UCHealth Neurology Clinic-Central Park<\/a> and at Children\u2019s Hospital Colorado<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Sanders said that grouping people with autism into categories does not address the complexity of making a diagnosis of autism or understanding the mystery of what causes autism. She said genetic testing for autism is vital to helping patients and their families.<\/p>\n

What is autism? <\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u201cAutism describes how someone acts and how someone has developmental differences,\u201d Sanders said. Doctors make assessments based on observation, interviews and standardized tests to make a diagnosis<\/a> of \u201cautism spectrum disorder,\u201d based on the criteria in DSM-5.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf someone meets those criteria, they have autism,\u201d Sanders said. \u201cBut those diagnostic criteria and that diagnosis say absolutely nothing about what causes <\/em>autism.\u201d<\/p>\n

How can we better understand what causes autism and the role of genetic testing to help people with autism?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The key is genetic testing, Sanders said. Researchers have linked hundreds of genetic mutations to autism. Some of these mutations are also associated with specific syndromes<\/a>, or conditions, such as growth problems<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we get more and more genetic understanding of the causes of autism, we can say, \u2018you have this syndrome, with this mutation on this gene, and that is causing you to develop differently,\u2019\u201d Sanders said. \u201cThat is why we recommend genetic testing now in everyone who has a diagnosis of autism, no matter their age.\u201d<\/p>\n

How have researchers linked specific genetic mutations and developmental disabilities and syndromes in people with autism?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

An important example is the SPARK study<\/a>, which promotes genetic testing of people with autism around the U.S. As of the end of 2025, SPARK organizers reported that its scientists and other researchers had identified more than 400 genes associated with autism. So far, data from SPARK genetic testing has generated some 225 research papers<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe SPARK study is not done yet, but it is definitely what is needed. It gives us more data to have more associations available,” said Sanders, who is also an assistant professor<\/a> at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine.<\/a><\/p>\n

There are many other large repositories of genetic data on autism, including the NIMH Data Archive – NDA<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What do you look for when you do genetic testing for a person diagnosed with autism?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re looking at what genes the person has that are different from those in the general population,\u201d Sanders said.<\/p>\n

That means identifying specific mutations, deletions or duplications in the genetic code that have been associated with the same change in another person\u2019s genetic code that also causes a disability.<\/p>\n

Does genetic testing always reveal the cause of a person\u2019s autism?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

No, genetic testing does not always provide answers for what causes autism in an individual.<\/p>\n

Sanders said that genetic testing yields specific clues for about 20% to 50% of people with autism who get genetic testing.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is a higher chance of finding a genetic disorder if you have autism plus an intellectual disability or seizures or a movement disorder,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

With a low success rate, how can genetic testing help in treating a person with autism?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Sanders stressed that in her practice, she uses genetic testing to aid her clinical decision making.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn our clinic, we do genetic testing to look at why you have autism,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

As she noted, some genetic syndromes come with increased risk of other health problems.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, another reason for genetic testing is that it can help us make sure that we can keep someone as healthy as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

For example, if a person has a genetic syndrome linked to heart problems<\/a>, Sanders and her colleagues can pay close attention to their symptoms with echocardiograms and EKGs and give them the treatment they need as early as possible.<\/p>\n

Another reason for doing genetic testing is that it can possibly give a person a chance to enroll in clinical trials, especially if there is one whose focus \u201cis specific to your genetic difference,\u201d Sanders said.<\/p>\n

Why has the prevalence of autism risen in recent years?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Sanders said isolating the reasons for the increase in autism<\/a> is \u201cthe million-dollar question.\u201d She pointed to better understanding of \u201cthe environmental and genetic underpinnings\u201d of the condition as an important step toward that answer. As of now, there is no definitive proof that pollution, chemicals or other substances in the environment are associated with autism, she added, but the question is deserving of further research.<\/p>\n

\u201cI also think that there is more recognition of autism than there used to be in children and adults,\u201d she said. \u201cSo where someone might have been considered \u2018odd\u2019 or \u2018socially awkward,\u2019 we can now recognize that they meet diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder and deserve targeted supports to help them live their fullest lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

What does the term ‘neurodiversity’ mean, and how do you view it as a doctor who cares for people with autism?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

People who use the term \u201cneurodiversity\u201d are acknowledging that brain function is different from individual to individual.<\/p>\n

\u201cNeurodiversity is more of an identity than a medical diagnosis,\u201d Sanders said. \u201cAnyone can identify as being neurodiverse, and that makes for our rich, dynamic world.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, she added, the different ways some people with autism think about and see the world can clash with what society expects in the workplace and in other situations where they encounter others, she added.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s hard to be all positive when someone struggles to function in the world in which they live,\u201d she said. As a doctor, she said she seeks to balance honoring her patients\u2019 individuality with helping them to function more comfortably with others.<\/p>\n

\u201cI keep both things in mind in saying, \u2018What supports could we put in place to help you with these aspects of living in the society and the world?\u2019\u201d At the same time, she looks for ways to capitalize on her patients\u2019 \u201cincredible strengths\u201d and \u201cbring them to light so they can feel fulfilled.\u201d<\/p>\n

What supports are most important to provide for people with autism?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Supports for people with autism have to come at both the individual and societal levels, Sanders said. The idea is to create a world in which being neurodiverse doesn\u2019t mean that it is harder to thrive as an individual, she added.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s important to work on the policy and advocacy side to create more flexibility in the workplace and in transportation and housing options,\u201d she said. The Autism Society of Colorado<\/a>, for example, provides a varied list of resources<\/a> for people with autism, their families, their loved ones and organizations<\/a> that want to build a supportive environment.<\/p>\n

Describe how you provide care for adults with autism at the UCHealth Neurology Clinic-Central Park and for children at Children\u2019s Hospital Colorado.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u201cNo matter the age, I always start with finding out what are the individual\u2019s strengths, either by asking them or, if they have communication challenges, asking their supporters who come with them,\u201d Sanders said. \u201cStarting that conversation with what they love and what makes their life harder is important for me to decide what therapeutically we are going to work on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanders also cited \u201cnon-negotiables\u201d that she asks about for both children and adults, including issues they may have with eating, sleeping, toileting and mood symptoms, such as depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to make sure that they feel safe where they live, where they work and where they travel,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

In her adult clinic, Sanders also looks for immediate problems she can help treat, such as vision, hearing, thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies, memory, attention span, balance and pain.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe look at all domains that affect functioning, making sure we also ask why they have autism,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd if we haven\u2019t asked that, we think about redoing genetic testing or doing it for the first time.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition, Sanders said it is important to recognize that the services adults with autism need don\u2019t fit neatly into patterns. For example, a \u201chigh-functioning\u201d individual may need more medical care than someone with severe communication issues and intellectual disabilities, but determining that relies on working closely with each person.<\/p>\n

With so many co-occurring conditions that affect people with autism, do you rely on support from other providers at UCHealth and the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u201cYes, over the last five years, we\u2019ve developed a grassroots network of doctors who care about adults with developmental disabilities or child-onset conditions,\u201d Sanders said. She and colleagues in urology, internal medicine, family medicine, endocrinology, eye care, kidney care, social work and others get together regularly to \u201cshare our experiences and knowledge and try to make our overall care better.\u201d<\/p>\n

The long-term hope is that \u201call adult doctors are comfortable taking care of people with autism,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Do you see common misconceptions about autism?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Yes. \u201cA common misconception is that people with autism don\u2019t want social interaction or relationships,\u201d Sanders said. \u201cHaving autism mostly means that social interaction and nuanced social engagement are more challenging, but that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s less desired than in anyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another misconception is the stereotype of the \u201cautistic savant<\/a>,\u201d an individual with uncanny powers of memory and calculation, Sanders said. This type of figure was fixed in the popular memory by the character Raymond Babbitt, portrayed in the film \u201cRain Man\u201d by Dustin Hoffman.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople with autism can be good at all kinds of different things,\u201d Sanders said. \u201cI think we should keep an open mind to a whole range of strengths, not just pin someone to the idea that just because you have autism you are going to be this or that. They could be brilliant artists or athletes. Anything across the spectrum of strength is open to them.\u201d<\/p>\n

There are also misconceptions about the causes of autism. Sanders noted that despite widespread discussion and public comment, there is no scientific proof that Tylenol or vaccines cause autism<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn fact, there is strong scientific proof<\/a> that vaccines do not cause autism,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

As a specialist in neurodevelopmental disabilities, what are the most important things you have learned about autism?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u201cThe majority of my learning about people with autism, neurodiversity and developmental disabilities is through interactions outside the clinic,\u201d Sanders said. She devotes her time in the clinic to pinpointing and addressing her patients\u2019 medical problems. \u201cBut I think you learn the most when you are doing inclusive things.\u201d<\/p>\n

For example, Sanders said she partners with Access Gallery<\/a>, an art studio where people with disabilities work and display their art.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have learned so much about the brilliant minds of people with neurodiversity by partnering with them, Special Olympics<\/a> and Best Buddies<\/a>,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019ve learned about the incredible ways that people think differently, and you really get those eye-opening experiences by having a relationship with someone.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the clinic, Sanders said she has learned that \u201cthe more you ask, the more you find.\u201d Asking questions of her patients sometimes opens unexpected doors.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s important always to ask about everything that might impact someone\u2019s behavior or specific preferences or anxieties or their health, no matter how high-functioning they look,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

More and more children and adults are getting diagnosed with autism, and while the number of people who have autism or autism spectrum disorder is on the rise, the causes remain unclear. You might have heard misinformation about links between Tylenol use during pregnancy and increased risk of autism, but researchers are focusing much more […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2143,"featured_media":88923,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6,5],"tags":[9190,47,184,4624,202,351],"class_list":["post-88866","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-healthy-living","category-innovative-care","tag-adult-genetic-testing","tag-genetic-testing-and-counseling","tag-neurology","tag-neurosciences-outcomes","tag-pediatric-care","tag-primary-care"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nGenetic testing for autism: how it can help families and guide care - UCHealth Today<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Genetic testing for autism can uncover clues about developmental differences and support better, more personalized care.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"More people are getting diagnosed with autism, but the causes aren't clear. Genetic testing can provide answers for some people who are on the autism spectrum.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Genetic testing for autism can uncover clues about developmental differences and support better, more personalized care.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"UCHealth Today\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/uchealthorg\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-03-03T14:30:34+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/02\/27112945\/GettyImages-1352511583-genetic-testing-autism-web.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Tyler Smith\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@uchealth\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@uchealth\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Tyler Smith\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Tyler Smith\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/#\/schema\/person\/98c85c0e40c4933eedcec2cd054f349d\"},\"headline\":\"More people are getting diagnosed with autism, but the causes aren’t clear. Genetic testing can provide answers for some people who are on the autism spectrum.\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-03T14:30:34+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/\"},\"wordCount\":2226,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/02\/27112945\/GettyImages-1352511583-genetic-testing-autism-web.webp\",\"keywords\":[\"Adult genetic testing\",\"Genetic testing\",\"Neurology\",\"Neurosciences outcomes\",\"Pediatrics care\",\"Primary care\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Healthy living\",\"Innovative care\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/\",\"name\":\"Genetic testing for autism: how it can help families and guide care - UCHealth Today\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/02\/27112945\/GettyImages-1352511583-genetic-testing-autism-web.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-03T14:30:34+00:00\",\"description\":\"Genetic testing for autism can uncover clues about developmental differences and support better, more personalized care.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/02\/27112945\/GettyImages-1352511583-genetic-testing-autism-web.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/02\/27112945\/GettyImages-1352511583-genetic-testing-autism-web.webp\",\"width\":800,\"height\":533,\"caption\":\"Genetic testing can help explain why autism presents differently from one person to another and give families insights into developmental differences. Photo: Getty Images.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"More people are getting diagnosed with autism, but the causes aren’t clear. Genetic testing can provide answers for some people who are on the autism spectrum.\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/\",\"name\":\"UCHealth Today\",\"description\":\"UCHealth Today\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/#organization\",\"name\":\"UCHealth\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/04\/24135149\/UCHealth-square-logo-1000x1000-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/04\/24135149\/UCHealth-square-logo-1000x1000-1.jpg\",\"width\":1000,\"height\":1000,\"caption\":\"UCHealth\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/uchealthorg\/\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/uchealth\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/uchealth\/\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/school\/14839\/\",\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/uchealthorg\/\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC41SJI79yjZIe96OajzN22g\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/#\/schema\/person\/98c85c0e40c4933eedcec2cd054f349d\",\"name\":\"Tyler Smith\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d9cf06f094860ff4c88dfe85d3c79a05724744cb3f865253e7b928d904aaad8e?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d9cf06f094860ff4c88dfe85d3c79a05724744cb3f865253e7b928d904aaad8e?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d9cf06f094860ff4c88dfe85d3c79a05724744cb3f865253e7b928d904aaad8e?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Tyler Smith\"},\"description\":\"Tyler Smith has been a health care writer, with a focus on hospitals, since 1996. He served as a writer and editor for the Marketing and Communications team at University of Colorado Hospital and UCHealth from 2007 to 2017. More recently, he has reported for and contributed stories to the University of Colorado School of Medicine, the Colorado School of Public Health and the Colorado Bioscience Association.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/author\/smiths3\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Genetic testing for autism: how it can help families and guide care - UCHealth Today","description":"Genetic testing for autism can uncover clues about developmental differences and support better, more personalized care.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"More people are getting diagnosed with autism, but the causes aren't clear. Genetic testing can provide answers for some people who are on the autism spectrum.","og_description":"Genetic testing for autism can uncover clues about developmental differences and support better, more personalized care.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/","og_site_name":"UCHealth Today","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/uchealthorg\/","article_published_time":"2026-03-03T14:30:34+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/02\/27112945\/GettyImages-1352511583-genetic-testing-autism-web.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Tyler Smith","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@uchealth","twitter_site":"@uchealth","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Tyler Smith","Est. reading time":"11 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/"},"author":{"name":"Tyler Smith","@id":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/#\/schema\/person\/98c85c0e40c4933eedcec2cd054f349d"},"headline":"More people are getting diagnosed with autism, but the causes aren’t clear. Genetic testing can provide answers for some people who are on the autism spectrum.","datePublished":"2026-03-03T14:30:34+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/"},"wordCount":2226,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/02\/27112945\/GettyImages-1352511583-genetic-testing-autism-web.webp","keywords":["Adult genetic testing","Genetic testing","Neurology","Neurosciences outcomes","Pediatrics care","Primary care"],"articleSection":["Healthy living","Innovative care"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/","url":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/","name":"Genetic testing for autism: how it can help families and guide care - UCHealth Today","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/02\/27112945\/GettyImages-1352511583-genetic-testing-autism-web.webp","datePublished":"2026-03-03T14:30:34+00:00","description":"Genetic testing for autism can uncover clues about developmental differences and support better, more personalized care.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/02\/27112945\/GettyImages-1352511583-genetic-testing-autism-web.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/02\/27112945\/GettyImages-1352511583-genetic-testing-autism-web.webp","width":800,"height":533,"caption":"Genetic testing can help explain why autism presents differently from one person to another and give families insights into developmental differences. Photo: Getty Images."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/genetic-testing-for-autism-helps-guide-care\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"More people are getting diagnosed with autism, but the causes aren’t clear. Genetic testing can provide answers for some people who are on the autism spectrum."}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/","name":"UCHealth Today","description":"UCHealth Today","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/#organization","name":"UCHealth","url":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/04\/24135149\/UCHealth-square-logo-1000x1000-1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/04\/24135149\/UCHealth-square-logo-1000x1000-1.jpg","width":1000,"height":1000,"caption":"UCHealth"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/uchealthorg\/","https:\/\/x.com\/uchealth","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/uchealth\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/school\/14839\/","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/uchealthorg\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC41SJI79yjZIe96OajzN22g"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/#\/schema\/person\/98c85c0e40c4933eedcec2cd054f349d","name":"Tyler Smith","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d9cf06f094860ff4c88dfe85d3c79a05724744cb3f865253e7b928d904aaad8e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d9cf06f094860ff4c88dfe85d3c79a05724744cb3f865253e7b928d904aaad8e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d9cf06f094860ff4c88dfe85d3c79a05724744cb3f865253e7b928d904aaad8e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Tyler Smith"},"description":"Tyler Smith has been a health care writer, with a focus on hospitals, since 1996. He served as a writer and editor for the Marketing and Communications team at University of Colorado Hospital and UCHealth from 2007 to 2017. More recently, he has reported for and contributed stories to the University of Colorado School of Medicine, the Colorado School of Public Health and the Colorado Bioscience Association.","url":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/author\/smiths3\/"}]}},"coauthors":[{"id":2143,"name":"Tyler Smith","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/author\/smiths3\/"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88866","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2143"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=88866"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88866\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":88991,"href":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88866\/revisions\/88991"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/88923"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=88866"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=88866"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=88866"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}