LabCorp patents autism diagnosis method
Quote:
The method, invented by David Michael Margulies and Mark Firman Bear of Massachusetts, involves taking a tissue or body sample from a subject and then conducting a test to identify variant sequences in the subject’s genetic code, which may signify “the presence or an increased risk of developing autism spectrum disorders.” Testing can be done on children and fetuses, according to the patent.
The method is stated to aid in the diagnosis of five autism spectrum disorders, all of which fall under the umbrella of pervasive developmental disorders: autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, Rett’s disorder, and nonspecific pervasive developmental disorders.
The method claims to have multiple applications, each of which provides insight into the biological basis of autism spectrum disorders through different lenses.
First, the testing of a body sample and the finding of variant sequences could lead to comparison with known variant sequences linked to autism spectrum disorders, which could lead to a more definitive diagnosis. In similar cases, entirely new variant sequences may be found, and their link to autism spectrum disorders may be analyzed.
In some more detailed applications of the method, a subject’s nucleic acids from specific gene sequences may be analyzed for mutations or variants linked to autism spectrum disorders, which may provide information on the development and expression of the disorders. Comparison of these nucleic acids could be dne between samples obtained from subjects known to have autism spectrum disorders, and subjects without.
Eugenics here we come
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Professionally Identified and joined WP August 26, 2013
DSM 5: Autism Spectrum Disorder, DSM IV: Aspergers Moderate Severity
“My autism is not a superpower. It also isn’t some kind of god-forsaken, endless fountain of suffering inflicted on my family. It’s just part of who I am as a person”. - Sara Luterman
08 Jan 2018, 12:52 am
