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New DNA test may spot risk of autism

Posted at 12:27 PM, May 17, 2012
and last updated 2012-05-17 14:42:25-04

A new DNA test may be able to spot an increase risk of autism in children as young as six months old.

The test is called ‘A-Risk.’  It is designed for babies and toddlers who have a sibling with an autism spectrum disorder.  

The company who developed it found 57 key gene variations associated with autism in more than 1,000 families.

The company’s spokesperson says they were able to discover what other studies couldn’t find because their focus group was so large.  They say this test could theoretically speed up assessing and helping at-risk siblings.

However, not all autism experts are convinced these test results are reliable.