Awareness of genetic testing for children with autism spectrum disorder among caregivers in an autism support group.

Recent discoveries have improved our understanding of the complex genetic mechanisms underlying autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite current guidelines, genetic testing for children with ASD is largely underutilized. This has been attributed to a lack of public awareness regarding genetic testing. The role that autism support groups play in this awareness has not been previously described. A web-based survey was developed and distributed through a community support group to assess the awareness and utilization of genetic testing among caregivers for children with ASD. A total of 138 caregivers responded in total. Only 53.6% were aware that genetic testing exists for ASD. Genetic testing was completed in 17.4% of respondents. Rates of awareness were similar across demographic factors including race, family income, education level, and urban, suburban, or rural residence. This supports low awareness as a key factor in the underutilization of genetic testing for ASD, even among members in an organized autism support group. Targeting public awareness through these organizations may be a promising approach for improving the utilization of genetic testing in ASD.