A Narrative Review of Genetic Testing for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the United States

Although professional organizations in the United States have recommended genetic testing for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), uptake rates of genetic testing remain low. This review lists the recommendations made by professional medical organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Neurology, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and top-tier pediatric healthcare institutions. We have summarized the underlying factors that are associated with low rates of genetic testing utilization (i.e., parental and child factors, healthcare professional attitudes and practice, healthcare system issues), highlighted the experiences of parents who have taken their children for genetic testing, and offered recommendations to improve the uptake rate of genetic testing.