ABSTRACT
In recent years there has been growing discussion about the genetic testing of children. There have been reviews of ethical, legal and research issues. This chapter introduces the issues that have dominated this debate and then discusses two questions. The first concerns children’s understanding of inheritance and genetics. If children are to be involved in decisions about genetic testing and are to understand the implications of genetic tests, they need to understand at least the basic principles of inheritance. The second question concerns public attitudes towards the testing of children for adult-onset genetic diseases. Diagnostic testing is the least controversial of the areas of genetic testing in childhood. For disorders that develop in childhood, genetic testing may be employed as one of the diagnostic procedures used to ensure that those affected receive appropriate care and treatment.
