Systematic Review: The Psychosocial Impacts of Autism-Related Genetic…
Published May 9, 2026
A systematic review of the varied psychosocial impacts of autism-related genetic testing, emphasizing informed consent, counselling, and privacy.
<p><em>This systematic review examined psychosocial impacts of autism-related genetic testing. Across 22 studies, responses varied from relief and reduced guilt to distress and concerns about blame, discrimination, and testing without meaningful consent.</em></p><p><em>Most studies involved parents or prospective parents; only two included autistic adults. Methods and outcomes were heterogeneous, so the review does not establish a typical psychological response or a single best approach.</em></p><p><em>Genetic testing does not diagnose autism, identify a cause in most cases, predict functioning, or need to be pursued by every family. Where clinically relevant, it is an optional discussion with an appropriate clinician or genetic counsellor, using informed consent or assent, privacy protections, and respect for the autistic person’s preferences.</em></p><p><em>Source: Wills BC, et al. “Systematic Review: The Psychosocial Impacts of Autism-Related Genetic Testing.” Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 2026;65(4):505–526. </em><a target="blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2025.06.024"><em>https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2025.06.024</em></a><em> (PMID: 40619096; PROSPERO CRD42021258842).</em></p>