Autism & Genetic

Receiving an autism diagnosis can bring many questions. This guide offers six practical steps to help Autistic people and their families navigate healthcare conversations, explore support options, and make informed decisions at their own pace.

Learn more about autism, genetics, and genetic testing through our collection of frequently asked questions. Explore topics such as genetic testing, rare genetic conditions, genetic concepts, and understanding genetic test results.

We also have brochures available if you would like additional information. If you have questions or topics you would like us to include in our FAQs, feel free to email us at prisma@ualberta.ca. We'd love to hear from you!

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Looking for reliable information about autism and genetics? Explore a collection of educational resources from universities, research organizations, and trusted health information sources. These materials cover genetics basics, genetic testing, autism, and other topics to help you continue learning and exploring at your own pace.

Not everything we hear about autism and genetics is supported by science. This resource takes a closer look at 10 common myths, separating misconceptions from scientific evidence and encouraging a better understanding of autism, genetics, and genetic testing.

Interested in participating in research? PRISMA conducts studies to better understand autism, genetics, and genetic testing. Learn about our current research opportunities and find out if you may be eligible to participate.​​​​​​​​

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An autism diagnosis is just one part of the story. Explore how genetics and genetic testing can help provide additional answers, guide healthcare decisions, and connect individuals and families with helpful resources and support.

Explore our collection of printed resources, including the Community Booklet, newsletters, brochures, and flyers. These materials offer accessible information about autism, genetics, genetic testing, and research, and can support conversations with individuals, families, and healthcare professionals. Printed copies are available upon request.

Join Bo, DiNA, and their friends as they explore autism, genetics, and genetic testing through fun stories and easy-to-understand explanations. Designed for autistic individuals, families, and anyone interested in learning more, these videos make complex genetic concepts more accessible.

Have questions about autism, genetics, or genetic testing? Our Ask a Doctor section features expert answers to common questions submitted by autistic individuals, families, and the community.

Each response is evidence-based and designed to make complex topics easier to understand while supporting informed decision-making.

Looking for a place to start learning about autism and genetics? Our Community Booklet brings together educational resources, practical information about genetic testing, common questions, research opportunities, and ways to connect with the PRISMA community. Designed for Autistic people, families, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in learning more, it offers information you can return to whenever you need it.

Genetic testing is an important part of autism care for many individuals and families. While it cannot diagnose autism, it may help identify an underlying genetic explanation, provide information that can guide medical care, and connect families with additional resources and support.

This infographic explains the most common genetic tests used in autism and how each one helps us better understand the genome

Explore PRISMA's educational resources in different languages, including our website, brochures, newsletters, and videos. These materials help make information about autism, genetics, genetic testing, and research more accessible to individuals and families from different linguistic backgrounds.

Join Bo, DiNA, and their friends as they explore autism, genetics, and genetic testing through fun stories and easy-to-understand explanations. Designed for autistic individuals, families, and anyone interested in learning more, these videos make complex genetic concepts more accessible.

"What's Your Thing?" is a PRISMA community initiative that highlights the interests, passions, and experiences of Autistic people. Through stories shared by individuals and families, this section celebrates the diversity of our community and offers a space where people can express what makes them unique.

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By sharing these stories, we hope to build connections, encourage understanding, and celebrate the many different interests that bring people joy. Explore our community stories or share your own!