Parent attitudes towards predictive testing for autism in the first year of life

Abstract

Background: Emerging biomarker technologies (e.g., MRI, EEG, digital phenotyping, eye-tracking) have potential to move the identification of autism into the first year of life. We investigated the perspectives of parents about the anticipated utility and impact of predicting later autism diagnosis from a biomarker-based test in infancy. Methods: Parents of infants were interviewed to ascertain receptiveness and perspectives on early (6-12 months) prediction of autism using emerging biomarker technologies. One group had experience parenting an older autistic child (n=30), and the other had no prior autism parenting experience (n=25). Parent responses were analyzed using inductive qualitative coding methods. Results: Almost all parents in both groups were interested in predictive testing for autism, with some stating they would seek testing only if concerned about their infant’s development. The primary anticipated advantage of testing was to enable access to earlier intervention. Parents also described the anticipated emotions they would feel in response to test results, actions they might take upon learning their infant was likely to develop autism, attitudes towards predicting a child’s future support needs, and the potential impacts of inaccurate prediction. Conclusion: In qualitative interviews, parents of infants with and without prior autism experience shared their anticipated motivations and concerns about predictive testing for autism in the first year of life. The primary reported motivators for testing—to have more time to prepare and intervene early—could be constrained by familial resources and service availability. Implications for ethical communication of results, equitable early intervention, and future research are discussed.