Last reviewed: May 12, 2026 Last updated: May 12, 2026

Written by: Jay Hastings , CEO of PlexusDx

Jay Hastings is the CEO of PlexusDx, a precision health company focused on genetic testing, blood biomarker insights, and personalized wellness recommendations. He has more than 20 years of experience across healthcare innovation, genomics, laboratory operations, healthcare investing, and strategic finance. His work has included scaling healthcare startups, leading CLIA lab integrations, and helping expand consumer access to precision health tools.

Medically reviewed by: Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA

Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA, is the PlexusDx Medical Science Liaison with a PharmD and MBA specializing in pharmacogenomics and clinical product development, with a proven ability to bridge the gap between genomic research and practical patient outcomes. Dr. Lee has more than 10 years of professional experience in clinical pharmacy, academia, and research.

This article is part of the PlexusDx Education Hub — your resource for evidence-based guidance on brain & cognitive health. Browse all Brain & Cognitive Health education

PlexusDx has pledged to donate 25 percent of the proceeds from qualifying genetic tests purchased with the code AUTISM to the Autism Science Foundation (ASF). The initiative pairs a practical contribution to autism research with a broader goal: helping more families understand the genetic biology behind neurodivergence and giving them better-informed conversations with their healthcare providers.

The pledge: supporting the Autism Science Foundation

The Autism Science Foundation funds peer-reviewed research and supports scientists working to understand autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the lifespan. By directing a share of proceeds from eligible genetic tests toward ASF, PlexusDx aims to help sustain the kind of independent research that expands what is known about autism's biology. The commitment reflects a long-standing interest in making precision-health education more accessible to communities that have historically had fewer resources.

Why genetics matters in the autism community

Autism is among the most strongly heritable of all neurodevelopmental conditions, with twin and family studies estimating heritability between roughly 60 and 90 percent. For many families, that inheritance is visible across generations. Understanding the genetic and biological pathways involved does not change a diagnosis, but it can reduce stigma, reframe autism as a matter of biology rather than blame, and give families a shared vocabulary for discussing neurodivergence with clinicians and educators. Many families also navigate co-occurring concerns such as dietary sensitivities, sleep differences, and gastrointestinal issues, and a clearer view of the underlying biology can make those conversations with a provider more productive.

Named genes in autism research

There is no single autism gene. Hundreds contribute, and research keeps returning to a few well-characterized examples. SHANK3 encodes a scaffolding protein at the synapse, the junction where neurons communicate, and disruptions to it are a documented cause of some autism presentations. CHD8 regulates chromatin and orchestrates broad programs of genes during brain development, so a single disruptive variant can influence many downstream pathways. Genes such as NRXN1, MECP2, and CNTNAP2 appear repeatedly in the same body of work, underscoring how much of autism biology centers on how neurons form and organize their connections.

What genetic insight offers families

Genetic education is not the same as clinical diagnosis. Consumer genetic tools do not diagnose autism, do not predict whether a child is or will be autistic, and do not replace a developmental assessment or physician-ordered clinical genetic testing. What broad genetic education can provide is pathway-level context: a clearer view of the signaling and neurodevelopmental biology that researchers study. That context is meant to inform a conversation with a qualified provider, not to answer medical questions on its own. For families, the practical value lies in arriving at appointments better prepared, with a clearer understanding of the pathways researchers study and more specific questions to ask.

How to participate and where insight fits

Families who choose to use the code AUTISM at checkout direct a portion of their purchase toward ASF's research mission. The PlexusDx Precision Peptide Genetic Test explores how your genes influence biological pathways across 14 pathways, 49 peptides, 150+ genetic insights. It is an educational, pathway-level tool. It does not diagnose, treat, cure, or manage autism or any condition. Its role is to help you understand your biology so you can bring informed questions to a knowledgeable clinician.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the PlexusDx autism donation work?

PlexusDx pledged to donate 25 percent of proceeds from qualifying genetic tests purchased with the code AUTISM to the Autism Science Foundation. Using the code at checkout directs part of your purchase toward independent, peer-reviewed autism research funded through ASF. Availability and terms may change over time.

Can a PlexusDx test tell me if my child has autism?

No. No consumer genetic test diagnoses autism. Diagnosis is clinical, based on developmental history and standardized assessment by qualified professionals. The Precision Peptide Genetic Test provides pathway-level education about biology, not a diagnosis, treatment, or prediction about any individual child.

Why does PlexusDx support autism research?

PlexusDx focuses on making precision-health education accessible. Because autism is strongly genetic, expanding research into its biology benefits the wider community. Supporting the Autism Science Foundation helps fund independent studies while PlexusDx offers educational tools that families can discuss with their healthcare providers.

Want to understand the neurodevelopmental pathways behind neurodivergence while supporting research? Explore the Precision Peptide Genetic Test for pathway-level education, then bring your questions to a qualified provider.

The Precision Peptide Genetic Test analyzes how your genes influence peptide-related biological pathways. It does not recommend, prescribe, or determine which peptides you should use. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any peptide protocol.

This article is part of the PlexusDx Education Hub. Browse all Brain & Cognitive Health education

Medical and Editorial Standards

Medical review process: This article was reviewed for medical accuracy, scientific clarity, evidence alignment, and appropriate discussion of genetics, medications, supplements, biomarkers, and health-related claims.

Sources and evidence: PlexusDx educational content is developed using peer-reviewed research, clinical literature, reputable medical references, and, where applicable, public health or regulatory guidance. References are included at the end of the article when scientific, medical, or health-related claims are discussed.

Commercial transparency: PlexusDx offers genetic testing, blood biomarker testing, personalized supplement recommendations, and related precision wellness services. Product mentions are intended to help readers understand available options and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

Important disclaimer: PlexusDx educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about medications, supplements, genetic testing, lab testing, or health-related care.