Dr. Lorna Lopez:

We use genome sequencing where there are different types of genetics techniques that can be used. The most recent one I have mentioned is genome sequencing and it is the basis of the new genetic strategy that was published in December. This genome sequencing measures every single genetic-based pair in our genome and DNA. We then look at all of these genetic changes which we can see throughout the family and compare them between individuals within the family, but also what is much more important is to combine it in a much bigger scale so that we can understand. We know from different types of biological research that if there is a change in this particular area of a gene, this can cause downstream consequences. We have just about over 100 genes where we know very reliably that if there is a change in one of these genes, that can be linked to autism.