Publication
Title
Shooting a moving target : researching autism genes : an interview study with professionals
Author
Abstract
Background: Given the wide variety of the phenotype, the uncertain genetic origins and the discussions surrounding the status of autism itself, genetic research on autism genes generates specific ethical questions that are not completely analogous to the ethical issues of genetic research in general. Method: In order to map ethical issues surrounding research on autism genes, as experienced by professionals in the field of autism, we interviewed 15 Belgian professionals. Results: We found that respondents believed that the heterogeneity of the autism phenotype affects the ethics of research on several levels. It affects issues regarding who to include in research on autism genes, regarding what the aim is of such studies, and how the research is done. Conclusions: Although genetic research on autism genes is proliferating, a systematic ethical reflection and protocol is missing. With this study we have shown that autism professionals in Belgium express both skepticism and hope with regard to genetic research and raise important points with regard to the effect that the complexity of autism has on research aims and methodology. (C) 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Journal of medical genetics. - London, 1964, currens
European journal of medical genetics. - Paris
Publication
London : British Medical Association , 2016
ISSN
0022-2593 [Print]
1468-6244 [Online]
DOI
10.1016/J.EJMG.2015.12.009
Volume/pages
59 :1 (2016) , p. 32-38
ISI
000368283900007
Pubmed ID
26721322
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 07.01.2016
Last edited 09.10.2023
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