How to Use Your Child’s Genome on SelfScience

Getting your child’s genome data

Three common paths for families:

• Consumer testing kits — 23andMe and AncestryDNA family plans support additional samples. Note that these companies’ terms of service typically require test-takers to be 18+ (parents test as guardians). Check each provider’s current age policy.
• Clinical genetic testing — pediatric geneticists can order clinical-grade whole-exome or targeted panel testing when there is a medical indication. This is the appropriate path when a real clinical question exists.
• Family inference — if both parents have uploaded genomes, roughly half of a child’s genotype can be inferred without directly testing the child. Some families choose this approach to sidestep the consent question until the child can decide for themselves.

Age considerations

Consumer genetic testing for minors raises important ethical considerations. Many experts recommend waiting until a child can participate in the decision about their own genetic information. Others argue parents can use genomic data to make better health decisions for their child. SelfScience presents this information for educational awareness — the decision about whether and how to use genomic information for a child belongs to the family and their healthcare providers.

Uploading the file to SelfScience

• Go to the Genome page.
• Choose the raw data file from your provider (23andMe .txt, AncestryDNA .txt, or a VCF from a clinical test).
• Parsing happens entirely in your browser. No data leaves your device.
• Session data is stored locally — close the tab to clear it, or use the “clear session” button on the Genome page.

Reading the results with a Youth lens

When you view your results, look for any “Youth & Family” panel that appears in the dashboard. This panel surfaces variants that the research literature identifies as particularly relevant for children — currently MTHFR, FKBP5, FUT2, COL5A1, and COMT.

Each of those links jumps you to the specific domain section on the Youth pillar page with the relevant research and what-you-can-do guidance.

Discussing findings with a pediatrician

We recommend printing the Practitioner Report and bringing it to your child’s next well-visit. It summarises the findings in a clinician-friendly format with the primary research citations attached. If a significant clinical finding appears (a documented actionable variant like an ultra-rapid CYP2D6 status), request a referral to a genetic counselor for context.