Autism-Risk Screening Services Guide Physicians and Families

A new clinical partnership offers chromosomal microarray analysis as a first-line genetic test as part of a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

The FirstStep^Dx genetic test offered to patients and their families is a whole-genome genetic test customized with validated, novel, proprietary, genetic variants associated with ASDs. The genetic test now is available as a fast and painless cheek swab (FirstStep Buccal), eliminating the need for a blood draw.

The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD; Los Angeles, CA, USA) and Lineagen (Salt Lake City, UT, USA) launched a clinical partnership for children on the autism spectrum. Under the terms of the partnership agreement, FirstStep, integrated with a pre-and post-test genetic counseling service and personalized reporting, will be offered to patients receiving treatment in CARD's innovative Skills program.

CARD is a provider of early intensive behavioral intervention for individuals with ASDs. Lineagen is a molecular diagnostics company focused on integrated genetic testing and counseling for individuals with ASDs and other disorders of childhood development.

Michael S. Paul, PhD, Lineagen's CEO, stated, "We are very pleased to initiate our clinical partnership program with CARD. Identification of genetic variants associated with ASDs, as well as other disorders of childhood development, with our FirstStep test furthers the understanding of the etiology for these disorders and may aid physicians and treatment specialists to more accurately guide clinical management. We look forward to providing children who are receiving the best treatment at CARD with the best genetic testing and genetic counseling service currently available."

CARD was founded by autism expert and clinical psychologist Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-D. CARD treats individuals with ASD using the principles and procedures of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which has been empirically proven to be the most effective method for treating individuals with ASD and is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the US Surgeon General.

Related Links:
Center for Autism and Related Disorders
Lineagen