I happened to learn about genetic testing kits, and I couldn't resist the urge to try one out.
However, even if I were to have my own genes tested now, it seems unlikely that I would be able to make any use of the results.
So, I thought I'd try using it on my own child, who is about one year old, and that's why I used the kit this time.
What made me decide to try a genetic testing kit?
「知能は7～8割方、生まれつき決まっている」ということが、心理学・発達科学の専門家の間では常識になっているというツイートを見たことがきっかけです。
If a gardener who wanted to grow sunflowers received a rose seedling instead, they would have no choice but to accept it and care for it so that it would produce beautiful roses. Similarly, even if someone insists, "I absolutely wanted sunflowers!" and tries to cultivate a rose seedling the same way they would a sunflower, it won't become a sunflower, and at worst, the rose will die.
— Y (@y_psychologist) August 28, 2018
If both parents are "large red roses," then red roses are more likely to bloom, but they might be smaller red roses, or they might be red but with a different petal shape, or they might be large but yellow, or they might even be sunflowers due to a mutation. I think it's important not to force them to be "large red roses."
— Y (@y_psychologist) August 29, 2018
Even if you yourself are a large, beautiful red rose, that doesn't mean your child will be (although they are more likely to produce similar flowers), and it's even more impossible for you, a sunflower, to tell your child, "You must become a red rose."
This applies not only to children, but I think it's good to accept individuality, help develop their strengths, or let them do what they're good at.— Y (@y_psychologist) August 29, 2018
After reading this tweet, I definitely felt that it was true.
So, when I started thinking, "What kind of 'flower' will my child bloom?", I came up with the idea of a genetic testing kit.
One of the aims of these tests was that knowing what a child struggles with would make it easier to accept when they can't do something well, thinking, "It's because they have genes that make them bad at this, so it can't be helped."
Kits to test potential abilities, kits to test disease risk
There are several types of genetic testing kits available.
These are kits to assess a child's strengths and weaknesses, kits to assess their risk of developing illnesses in the future, or both.
In my opinion, I concluded that I didn't really need a kit to test for disease risk, so I bought the former, a kit to test for potential health.
From what I've researched online, kits to assess disease risk don't seem very useful.
It seems difficult to use these tests effectively, as they can reveal risks for minor diseases that even specialists are unaware of, and can produce completely opposite results depending on the kit company (apparently due to differences in the research papers used).
In the first place, the risk of illness is largely influenced by factors such as smoking, drinking, and lifestyle habits.
And even if a risk of a life-threatening illness were identified, I don't think it would be something that could be prevented simply by being a little careful.
Such tests are more reliable at hospital health checkups.
For the reasons mentioned above, my desire to learn about my positive traits outweighed my desire to learn about my negative traits through testing.
I actually bought and used it.
The kit I purchased is from a company called "DNA FACTOR," and it's a kit that tests aspects related to a child's "learning ability, physical ability, and sensitivity."
It's expensive at 69,800 yen, but it seems to provide the most detailed results, so I bought it as an investment.
The deciding factor was the thoroughness of the comments and advice in the appraisal report.
I chose this manufacturer's product because a test result that simply states "Short-term memory: ○, Long-term memory: △" isn't very meaningful.
When you purchase it, it will be shipped in a box like this.
When you open it, you'll find the following instructions and a test kit inside.
All you need to do is fill out the necessary information on the consent form included, store the collected sample, and send it back in the return envelope.
My biggest concern was whether I could actually collect a sample using the test kit.
First of all, please rest assured that even if the sample is not collected properly with this kit, you will be sent another collection kit.
There are no additional costs or the need to repurchase the product (at least not with this manufacturer).
It's not that difficult to use.
It's like a cotton swab with a slightly larger tip, and you simply rub it against the inside of the cheek of the person you want to examine.
Since samples are taken from both sides, the collection kit includes two sets.
As clearly stated in the instructions, make sure to collect the sample when your mouth is not too dirty.
I think it's best to avoid it after meals.
The instructions say to rub the inside of your mouth vigorously about 20 to 30 times, so it might be difficult for very young children.
It might be best to do it when you're calm, such as right after waking up.
Once finished, let the cotton swabs air dry for 2-3 hours.
Afterward, return the cotton swabs to the cylindrical container they came in and send them back in the enclosed envelope.
If it will take some time before you mail it, it's a good idea to store it in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
Until the results are sent
Shortly after I mailed the sample, I received an email at the reporting email address I had registered, saying, "We have received your sample safely and will now complete the analysis."
Since the entire testing process takes about one to three months, it's understandable to feel anxious without these kinds of progress reports.
I realized that these kinds of small acts of support are very important.
Then, a month later, I received an email report saying, "It's been a month since we started the analysis, and it's progressing smoothly."
It also said that it usually takes about two months to complete, but it could take up to three months.
Since it was something that was written in the product description, I wasn't particularly bothered by the waiting period.
Regarding the test items and results
About two months later, I finally received an email saying, "The analysis has been completed today."
They said they would compile the analysis results and send the documents in about a week.
Then, I received a box like the one in the image below, containing a booklet of about 50 pages reporting the results.
The results are presented as follows: first, "Your genotype," "This is your type," and "The percentage of people who share the same genes."
And then, there are several pages of detailed explanations.
The section on genes related to memory begins with an explanation that "memory consists of semantic memory and episodic memory," and then breaks down the mechanisms of each and provides concrete examples.
Following that explanation, there are also descriptions of occupations that can make the most of those strengths and specific ways to develop them further.
The book explains the workings of the human body in an easy-to-understand, textbook-like way, and then explains, "This is your body type."
Below, I will briefly explain all nine items and give a rough overview of my child's test results.
Genes related to brain function and learning (BDNF, SNAP25, CHRM2)
The first item was a classification into "semantic memory type," "episodic memory type," or somewhere in between.
My child's memory was in the same intermediate category as the average person with 49%.
It seems that I'm not particularly good at either memorizing knowledge or remembering experiences.
Regarding the next item, "Performance IQ," this individual, like everyone else with a score of 58%, has a high "Performance IQ," indicating proficiency in spatial reasoning and processing.
The opposite of this is called "Verbal IQ," which is an indicator that evaluates comprehension and expression skills related to language.
Simply put, it's a division between humanities and science, and my child seems to be the science type.
Furthermore, regarding another item that represents a similar ability, the overall 80% individuals were determined to be of the type with a high "performance IQ."
This result reinforces the previous finding that you are a science-oriented type.
Genes related to the body's constitutional functions and exercise (ACE, ACTN3, mtDNA)
In very simple terms, this item tells you whether you are a "long-distance type" or a "short-distance type."
My child was determined to be a long-distance runner based on 2 out of 3 criteria.
The last item indicated that person 93% is a "middle-distance type," so overall, it seems likely that they are a long-distance type.
Genes related to brain stress tolerance and sensitivity (COMT, CHRNA4, 5HTT)
This section assesses your personality and temperament.
My child was the type whose dopamine was easily broken down (47% in total).
However, the explanation immediately following states that "what's important is whether dopamine is easily secreted, rather than whether it's easily broken down," and then goes on to describe dopamine secretion in detail.
Ultimately, the fact that it's a type that's easily broken down wasn't clearly explained, which left me feeling a little unsettled.
And now, here are the results for the next item, "Risk Value."
My child's results were shocking: out of the five categories, they fall into the "no fear of risk at all" category, which corresponds to person 13%.
Rather than simply taking on challenges without fear of risk, they seem to have a tendency to "deliberately" seek out danger.
Based on my child's usual behavior, I felt this was incredibly accurate and I was very convinced.
The parenting advice repeatedly emphasized, "Especially regarding money management, teach your children that money disappears when you spend it, and that patience is necessary to save."
While many of the results were average, this item stood out with its distinctive characteristics.
Just knowing this makes the tests worthwhile, doesn't it?
The last topic was "stress tolerance."
This corresponds to the overall 81% type, which is characterized by low serotonin expression and appears to be a more common type among Asians.
They are said to be prone to depression, highly sensitive and kind, and have difficulty feeling happiness.
summary
The "Children's Aptitude Gene Test" kit takes about two months from the time the kit arrives and the sample is sent in until the results are reported.
Furthermore, the price is by no means cheap.
However, the tests revealed that my child has characteristics such as "long-distance athletic ability" and "absolutely no fear of risk."
I believe that by recognizing these results, parents may be able to use them to their advantage in raising their children in the future.
I wouldn't recommend it to everyone, but I'm glad I got tested.
