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Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) requires potassium (K) in large amounts for crop growth and development and is more sensitive to low K availability in soils than other agronomic crops. Low K concentrations within the plant may decrease the rate of photosynthesis, which will impact plant growth and development. Cotton yield potential has increased due to genetic improvements, which may have increased the quantity and rate at which cotton takes up K. This research aimed to determine the effect of K fertilizer rates within irrigation level on boll distribution and yield contribution from specific node zones. This study was conducted at New Deal, TX in 2016 and 2017. Muriate of potash (KCl) was applied using knife injection at rates of 0, 45, 90, 135, and 180 kg K h−1 with 80% and 30% evapotranspiration (ET) irrigation levels. Differences were not noted for estimated box mapping yield between K rates in 2016 (p = 0.3996). When 180 kg K ha−1 was applied, total bolls and estimated box mapping yield within 30% ET increased in the early and middle node zones and total nodes over all other K application rates in 2017. It was observed with box mapping that the early and middle node zones were able to utilize applied K more effectively due to the increase in bolls and yield compared to the late and vegetative node zones. Our results suggest that K is an important nutrient in cotton production due to the impacts it has on the early and middle node zones. Core Ideas: Potassium impacts cotton boll distribution and yield contribution from specific node zones within irrigation levels.The early and middle node zones for yield were the greatest with the 180 kg K ha−1 rate within 30% evapotranspiration.The early and middle node zones benefited from added potassium through increased boll formation and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate‐smart agriculture (CSA) is an integrated approach to sustainably meeting food, fiber, and feed production needs. The technical and socioeconomic feasibility of different CSA strategies depends on local conditions, and there is no one‐size‐fits‐all approach. Here, we review two key aspects of CSA with a focus on Texas: soil C sequestration and water management. Carbon sequestration potential is highly variable across Texas as it depends on local biophysical conditions and soil management practices in place, for example, tillage and cover crops. Grasslands also have an important role to play in C sequestration. Important co‐benefits of effective soil management for C sequestration, such as reduced CO2 emissions, enhanced soil structure, and increased microbial activity, can positively impact soil fertility and productivity. The economic and political realities of C sequestration will have a strong influence on the implementation of technically feasible strategies. The major challenge for water management is the sustainable allocation of increasingly scarce resources. Expanded irrigation is a short‐term solution, but in many cases, the existing water supply is insufficient to meet future demand. A drying Texas, and aquifer depletion, portends lower future supplies. The Panhandle, Llano Estacado, and Rio Grande regions have the greatest projected gaps between future supply and demand. Increasing water‐use efficiency and using drought‐tolerant crops are important management goals and precision agriculture with site‐specific management measures could help improve drought resiliency. Texas' geographic diversity is reflected in the variety of agricultural commodities produced by the state, and CSA activities are likely to be equally diverse. Core Ideas: Climate‐smart agriculture provides opportunities for sustainably meeting food, fiber, and feed production needs.In geographically diverse states, such as Texas, CSA approaches will be site specific.Texas' C sequestration potential varies geographically with climate, crop/soil management, and irrigation capacity.Strategies to increase soil C sequestration may have co‐benefits, such as ecosystem services.A key agricultural challenge is the sustainable allocation of increasingly scarce water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic counseling for patients who are pursuing genetic testing in the absence of a medical indication, referred to as elective genomic testing (EGT), is becoming more common. This type of testing has the potential to detect genetic conditions before there is a significant health impact permitting earlier management and/or treatment. Pre‐ and post‐test counseling for EGT is similar to indication‐based genetic testing. Both require a complete family and medical history when ordering a test or interpreting a result. However, EGT counseling has some special considerations including greater uncertainties around penetrance and clinical utility and a lack of published guidelines. While certain considerations in the selection of a high‐quality genetic testing laboratory are universal, there are some considerations that are unique to the selection of a laboratory performing EGT. This practice resource intends to provide guidance for genetic counselors and other healthcare providers caring for adults seeking pre‐ or post‐test counseling for EGT. Genetic counselors and other genetics trained healthcare providers are the ideal medical professionals to supply accurate information to individuals seeking counseling about EGT enabling them to make informed decisions about testing and follow‐up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production in Texas depends heavily on conventional tillage (CT) and a long summer fallow period, which contributes to soil degradation. This study compared the impact of reducing tillage intensity (CT, no‐tillage, and strip‐tillage) combined with summer cropping to CT–summer fallow on wheat establishment, grain production, and herbage mass from 2016 to 2020 in three Texas ecoregions (Coastal Plains, Southern High Plains, and Blackland Prairie). Tillage and summer cropping resulted in variable impacts on wheat stand establishment, grain yield, and herbage mass across years and locations. At Beeville, in the Coastal Plains, wheat grain and herbage mass yields were not impacted by tillage. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) cropping resulted in less wheat grain yield in 2020. In 1 yr at Lubbock in the Southern High Plains, wheat grain yield was greater with CT than reduced tillage. Sorghum summer cropping resulted in lower wheat grain yield than cover crop mixture or cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.) in 2017, but yield was greater in 2020. At Thrall, in the Blackland Prairie, wheat stand establishment and yield with reduced tillage were greater than CT in 2016, whereas CT was greater in 2017 and 2020. Sorghum or cover cropping resulted in reduced wheat grain yield compared with fallow in 2018, but sorghum and sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) resulted in increased yield compared with fallow in 2019 and 2020. Summer cropping in wheat production systems rarely had a negative impact on wheat production compared with summer fallow in all three ecoregions. Core Ideas: Tillage and summer cropping had variable effects on yield and herbage mass across semi‐arid environments.Conservation tillage practices, no‐tillage, or strip‐tillage are feasible practices for wheat production systems.Wheat–summer crop rotations are potentially feasible systems in the Coastal Plains and Blackland Prairie regions.Wheat–summer crop rotations are not feasible in the Southern High Plains due to limited precipitation and timing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although genetic counseling is traditionally done through in‐person, one‐on‐one visits, workforce shortages call for efficient result return mechanisms. Studies have shown that telephone and in‐person return of cancer genetic results are equivalent for patient outcomes. Few studies have been conducted with other modes, result types or racially diverse participants. This study explored participants' perspectives on receiving pharmacogenomic results by mail. Two experienced moderators facilitated six focus groups with 49 individuals who self‐identified primarily as African‐American and consented to participate in a genome sequencing cohort study. Participants were given a hypothetical pharmacogenomic result report (positive for c.521T>C in SLCO1B1). An accompanying letter explained that the result was associated with statin intolerance along with a recommendation to share it with one's doctor and immediate relatives. Participants reacted to the idea of receiving this type of result by mail, discussing whether the letter's information was sufficient and what they predicted they would do with the result. Two researchers coded the focus group transcripts and identified themes. Many participants thought that it was appropriate to receive the result through the mail, but some suggested a phone call alerting the recipient to the letter. Others emphasized that although a letter was acceptable for disclosing pharmacogenomic results, it would be insufficient for what they perceived as life‐threatening results. Most participants found the content sufficient. Some participants suggested resources about statin intolerance and warning signs be added. Most claimed they would share the result with their doctor, yet few participants offered they would share the result with their relatives. This exploratory study advances the evidence that African‐American research participants are receptive to return of certain genetic results by approaches that do not involve direct contact with a genetic counselor and intend to share results with providers. ClinSeq: A Large‐Scale Medical Sequencing Clinical Research Pilot Study (NCT00410241). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and potassium (K) dynamics are not well understood particularly in soils with high K levels. Potassium is important for cotton reproductive development as it influences the number, size, and weight of bolls and can improve fiber quality by mitigating moisture stress. In the case that soil cannot replenish solution K from exchangeable reserves to meet the plant demands, deficiencies may occur leading to decreased yield (lint and seed) and fiber quality, reduced drought and disease tolerance, and premature boll opening. Studies were conducted in 2016 and 2017 in Lubbock (Olton clay loam and Acuff loam) and Lamesa (Amarillo fine sandy loam), TX, to determine the effects of K application rates and timing on lint yield and fiber quality of modern cotton cultivars (DP 1518 B2XF, DP 1522 B2XF, DP 1321 B2XF, and DP 1612 B2XF). Pre‐plant soil tests were >250 mg K kg–1 at both locations and years at the 0‐to‐15‐cm soil depths. Potassium treatments were applied at 0 (control), 90, and 180 kg K ha–1 as pre‐plant, side‐dress, or split applications. Harvest results determined that pre‐plant and side‐dress K applications produced significantly greater lint yield only for DP 1518 B2XF at both locations, while effects on fiber quality varied by location. The response of DP 1518 B2XF to K fertilizer was due to greater K use efficiency and possibly K demand of this cultivar compared to the others. This research provides evidence for continued investigation of cultivar by environment‐based K management. Core Ideas: Lint yield of DP 1518 B2XF responded to soil K fertilizer treatment in Lamesa and Lubbock.Pre‐plant and side‐dress K applications produced greater lint yield at these locations.DP 1518 B2XF was determined to have greater K use efficiency than the other cultivars tested.Yield response to K differed depending on location, which had different textures and K levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) productivity and nutritional status depend on the uptake and allocation of both macro‐ and micronutrients. Micronutrient deficiencies or toxicities reduce yields and must be corrected to achieve optimal yields. There is evidence that macronutrient uptake and partitioning have changed in modern cultivars, and it is therefore important to know whether a similar change has occurred with micronutrient uptake or partitioning. Total uptake and partitioning of essential micronutrients (boron, B; iron, Fe; manganese, Mn; zinc, Zn; and copper, Cu) and of sodium (Na) in different tissues of modern cultivars (FiberMax 958, FM 958; and Deltapine 1646, DP 1646) and a 1990s cultivar (Paymaster HS26, PM HS26) were determined in 2018 and 2019 at New Deal, TX. These were compared to results obtained in studies conducted 30 yr ago. The total seasonal uptake of Cu and Zn increased, whereas the total seasonal uptake of Fe and Mn decreased in modern cultivars. Newer cultivars FM 958 and DP 1646 partitioned greater percentage of Zn and Cu to the developing bolls compared to PM HS26. Iron and Mn were mostly retained in the leaves throughout the crop's life cycle. Sodium accumulated in nonphotosynthetic tissues likely as a salt‐tolerance mechanism of cotton. However, when Na availability is far more than required for normal plant growth, Na is redistributed and accumulated into transpiring leaves. This study offers additional insights for making effective fertilizer management decisions for newer cultivars and possible problems due to excess trace elements in the soil and irrigation supply. Core Ideas: Micronutrient uptake patterns have changed after 30 yr of progressive cotton breeding.Newer cotton cultivars partitioned more Zn and Cu into the bolls than older ones.Sodium accumulation in tissues change depending on its availability in soil and irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Next generation sequencing (NGS) has promising applications in transfusion medicine. Exome sequencing (ES) is increasingly used in the clinical setting, and blood group interpretation is an additional value that could be extracted from existing data sets. We provide the first release of an open‐source software tailored for this purpose and describe its validation with three blood group systems. Materials and methods: The DTM‐Tools algorithm was designed and used to analyse 1018 ES NGS files from the ClinSeq® cohort. Predictions were correlated with serology for 5 antigens in a subset of 108 blood samples. Discrepancies were investigated with alternative phenotyping and genotyping methods, including a long‐read NGS platform. Results: Of 116 genomic variants queried, those corresponding to 18 known KEL, FY and JK alleles were identified in this cohort. 596 additional exonic variants were identified KEL,ACKR1 and SLC14A1, including 58 predicted frameshifts. Software predictions were validated by serology in 108 participants; one case in the FY blood group and three cases in the JK blood group were discrepant. Investigation revealed that these discrepancies resulted from (1) clerical error, (2) serologic failure to detect weak antigenic expression and (3) a frameshift variant absent in blood group databases. Conclusion: DTM‐Tools can be employed for rapid Kell, Duffy and Kidd blood group antigen prediction from existing ES data sets; for discrepancies detected in the validation data set, software predictions proved accurate. DTM‐Tools is open‐source and in continuous development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of therapeutic alliance is central to genetic counseling as the mechanism through which the outcomes of empowerment and effective coping are likely to be achieved. To date, there have been no published systematic assessments of the therapeutic relationship in genetic counseling. We adapted a previously validated measure of the therapeutic alliance to genetic counseling and assessed its reliability and validity. Participants were enrolled in a clinical genomic study where they were randomized to receive education about carrier results via a Web platform or via a genetic counselor and then further randomized to receive genetic counseling (without additional education) or not. We rated the therapeutic alliance from audio recordings of 120 genetic counseling sessions. We modified the observer version of the Working Alliance Inventory (WAI‐O), initially designed to assess therapeutic relationships in psychotherapy. We examined internal consistency reliability by calculating Cronbach's alpha and inter‐rater reliability through both percent agreement and Gwet's alternative agreement coefficient (AC). Regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship of WAI‐O scores with session length and with the designation of the session as one in which prior education was delivered by the genetic counselor or not. The adapted scale had high‐reliability characteristics with agreement of 88%‐93%, Gwet's AC of 0.84‐0.90, and Cronbach's alpha of 0.89‐0.93 for the three WAI‐O subscales (bonds, goals, and tasks). Although there was no difference in alliance based on whether prior education was provided by the genetic counselor, the total WAI‐O score significantly increased with increasing session length (beta =0.667, p<.001), providing preliminary evidence of construct validity. The WAI‐O that we have adapted can be used reliably with two independent raters to assess the therapeutic alliance in studies of genetic counseling. The initial evidence for construct validity is promising and should be reassessed in future genetic counseling studies using the WAI‐O. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars are more productive and have unique growth and fruiting characteristics due to optimization of genetics and management practices in the past 30 yr. The most recent work evaluating nutrient uptake and partitioning by cotton was conducted in the early 1990s, necessitating a re‐evaluation of nutrient accumulation and requirements in modern high productivity cultivars. Modern cultivar (FiberMax [FM] 958 and Deltapine [DP] 1646) resource allocation, including dry matter production, yields, and accumulation and partitioning of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S to different organs, was compared with that of a 1990s cultivar (Paymaster [PM] HS26) in 2018 and 2019. The modern cultivars tested in this study partitioned a greater percentage of dry matter, N, P, K, and S into the fruit than the older cultivar, highlighting the importance of partitioning for increased production potential of these cultivars from the 1990s to the 2010s. Greater efficiencies in partitioning and remobilization of N, P, K, and S resulted in 66, 88, 64, and 30% increase in the amount of lint yield produced for every unit of uptake, respectively, under favorable growing conditions. These findings suggest that existing fertility paradigm in cotton may underestimate the accumulation expectations during the middle and latter part of the growing season. These results can be a basis for optimizing nutrient application to address partitioning changes. Adjusting nutrient recommendations to the shift in cultivar growth characteristics may improve both yield and application efficiency of fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core Ideas: Mustard seed meals (SM) added to soil >56 days before planting cotton and sorghum reduced negative growth effects.Mineral concentrations of cotton and sorghum were generally greater with SM and inorganic fertilizer treatments than the control.Before use as an organic fertilizer, the source, rate, and timing of SM applications should be considered. Oilseed crops have been widely evaluated for potential biodiesel production; however, for biodiesel to be economically and environmentally sustainable, feasible, and profitable means of by‐product (i.e., seed meal, SM) usage must also be developed. Utilization of SMs as a soil amendment in organic agricultural production systems offers one possible solution. This glasshouse study was conducted to determine the effects of mustard SMs (white mustard, Sinapis alba L., and Indian mustard, Brassica juncea L.) on aboveground growth and nutrient uptake by cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] compared to inorganic fertilizer. The soil used was a loamy fine sand with low plant‐available N, P, and K. Seed meals were applied to soil at 1.0 and 2.5% by weight of soil. Compositional analysis of SMs used in this experiment indicated that the materials should contain sufficient nutrients to support plant growth; however, glucosinolates contained in these materials can also inhibit plant growth. A SM incubation period of 56 d reduced negative crop growth effects and should result in increased nutrient availability. For each measured nutrient parameter of cotton and sorghum, SM and inorganic fertilizer treatments generally resulted in values greater than the control. Dry matter N concentrations of two harvests of each plant species were greatest with 2.5% SM, followed by 1.0% SM and fertilizer. Seed meal applications may enhance nutrient availability and plant uptake and growth; however, the source, rate, and timing of SM applications should be considered before use as an organic fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining production of low‐input alternative crops together with cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) under deficit irrigation (DI) has gained attention for purposes of rotation, diversification, and saving water resources in West Texas. The objective of this study was to determine a relationship between water extraction patterns and water use efficiency (WUE) of crops tolerant of the semiarid conditions in West Texas. Irrigation responses of cotton, sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), and grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] were compared in 2017 and 2018 at irrigation levels ranging from extreme DI to mild DI based on crop yield, aboveground biomass, water extraction patterns, and WUE. Cotton and sorghum biomass production and yield increased with irrigation rate, whereas sesame productivity was not significantly increased in either year. The water extraction patterns suggested that the rooting system of sesame was not as extensive compared with cotton and sorghum and did not change substantially among irrigation treatments, and sesame yields did not significantly vary among DI treatments. The implication is that the biomass production and yield of sesame, even under low irrigation management, was not water limited, even in irrigation treatments that resulted in 25% yield losses in sorghum and 40% yield losses in cotton. As a result, the WUE of sesame was dramatically decreased with additional irrigation, whereas cotton and sorghum maintained similar WUE under all irrigation treatments. Therefore, water‐limiting environments may not actually be water limiting to sesame, and the bigger limitation is the yield potential associated with a baseline irrigation level far below that of cotton or sorghum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exome and genome sequencing (EGS) are increasingly the genetic testing modalities of choice among researchers owing to their ready availability, low cost, and large data output. Recruitment of larger, more diverse cohorts into long‐term studies with extensive data collection is fundamental to the success of EGS research and to the widespread benefit of genomic medicine to various populations. Effective engagement will be critical to meeting this demand. The Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) model provides a framework for how new technologies are adopted in communities, including antecedents of an individual's decision to adopt the technology, how the technology's attributes influence its acceptability, the predictors of sustained use of that technology, and its diffusion through society. We apply the DOI model to frame participant engagement in EGS research and to guide the proposal of potential strategies that aim to overcome forecasted challenges. Finally, we suggest a variety of ways genetic counselors can apply their skills and training to the development and implementation of these strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical genome and exome sequencing (CGES) is primarily used to address specific clinical concerns by detecting risk of future disease, clarifying diagnosis, or directing treatment. Additionally, CGES makes possible the disclosure of autosomal recessive and X‐linked carrier results as additional secondary findings, and research about the impact of carrier results disclosure in this context is needed. Methods: Representatives from 11 projects in the clinical sequencing exploratory research (CSER) consortium collected data from their projects using a structured survey. The survey focused on project characteristics, which variants were offered and/or disclosed to participants as carrier results, methods for carrier results disclosure, and project‐specific outcomes. We recorded quantitative responses and report descriptive statistics with the aim of describing the variability in approaches to disclosing carrier results in translational genomics research projects. Results: The proportion of participants with carrier results was related to the number of genes included, ranging from 3% (three genes) to 92% (4,600 genes). Between one and seven results were disclosed to those participants who received any positive result. Most projects offered participants choices about whether to receive some or all of the carrier results. There were a range of approaches to communicate results, and many projects used separate approaches for disclosing positive and negative results. Conclusion: Future translational genomics research projects will need to make decisions regarding whether and how to disclose carrier results. The CSER consortium experience identifies approaches that balance potential participant interest while limiting impact on project resources. The clinical sequencing exploratory research (CSER) consortium sought to understand the variability in approaches to identifying and disclosing carrier results. The broad range of experiences across 11 of the CSER projects allowed us to distill key considerations important for guiding future translational genomics research projects that will inform decisions regarding whether and how to disclose carrier results. This research may in turn help to guide policy decisions about clinical services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical and research settings are increasingly incorporating genomic sequencing (GS) technologies. Previous research has explored reasons for declining genetic testing and participation in genetic studies; however, there is a dearth of literature regarding why potential participants decline participation in GS research, and if any of these reasons are unique to GS. This knowledge is essential to promote informed decision-making and identify potential barriers to research participation and clinical implementation. We aggregated data from seven sites across the National Institutes of Health’s Clinical Sequencing Exploratory Research (CSER) consortium on each project’s procedures for recruitment, and rates of and reasons for decline. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The decline rate for enrollment at the seven CSER sites ranged from 12 to 64% (median 28%) and varied based on age and disease status. Projects differed in their protocols for approaching potential participants and obtaining informed consent. Reasons for declining GS research were reported for 1088 potential participants. Commonly cited reasons were similar to those reported for clinical single gene testing and non-GS genetic research. The most frequently cited reason for decline was study logistics (35%); thus, addressing logistical barriers to enrollment may positively impact GS study recruitment. Privacy and discrimination concerns were cited by 13% of decliners, highlighting the need for researchers and providers to focus educational efforts in this area. The potential psychological burden of pursuing and receiving results from GS and not wanting to receive secondary findings, a concern specific to GS, have been cited as concerns in the literature. A minority of potential participants cited psychological impact (8%) or not wanting to receive secondary findings (2%) as reasons for decline, suggesting that these concerns were not major barriers to participation in these GS studies. Further research is necessary to explore the impact, if any, of different participant groups or study protocols on rates of decline for GS studies. Future studies exploring GS implementation should consider using standardized collection methods to examine reasons for decline in larger populations and more diverse healthcare settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation tillage coupled with winter cover crops may reduce wind erosion in the North America Great Plains. Although farmers recognize the benefits of conservation practices, their decision to use cover crops is often based on the farm's operating budget. In semiarid ecoregions dependent on irrigation for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production and limited groundwater resources, cover crops using stored soil moisture is a major concern. The objective of this research was to quantify the long-term impacts of conservation tillage and cover crop use on C storage, cotton lint yield, and economic returns in monoculture cotton production. Conservation tillage and rye cover were implemented in 1998 and a mixed species cover of rye (Secale cereale L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), radish (Raphanus sativus L.), and winter pea (Pisum sativum L.) was seeded in 2014 into half of the rye cover crop plots. Soil organic C in the top 15-cm soil depth was increased by combining conservation tillage with winter cover crops. Cotton lint yield was less with no-tillage and the rye cover when compared with conventional tillage in 2 of 3 yr. As a result, cotton lint revenue and gross margins of conservation tillage were on average less than conventional tillage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may find it difficult to feel a sense of control and to cope with the overall physical and emotional demands of caring for their child. While caregivers are able to successfully cope with a high level of stress, there are limits to their resources and abilities to cope over time. Genetic counselors working with affected families may be able to help parents more effectively manage stress related to the disorder. Few short-term interventions have been reported in genetic counseling yet implementation of evidence-based examples may be achievable. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a coping effectiveness training (CET) intervention designed to enhance coping self-efficacy (CSE) among caregivers of children with ASD, with the eventual goal of translating this intervention into genetic counseling practice. A randomized treatment-control design was used to investigate the feasibility of an intervention using CET among caregivers of children with ASD. The primary outcome was the feasibility of the intervention; the secondary outcome was improvements in CSE in the intervention group as compared to the control group. Caregivers were recruited and randomized into the treatment (n=15) or control (n=13) groups. Of these, 22 completed the study (retention: 78.6%). The intervention was highly feasible; most caregivers found the CET helpful, practical, useful, and relatively easy to attend. The treatment group demonstrated significantly increased CSE from pre-intervention to post-intervention (p=0.02). Between group differences were not significant when comparing the pre-post changes. We provide preliminary evidence that CET may be beneficial to caregivers of children with ASD. The results of this feasibility study support development of a phase II study of this intervention in a larger cohort, aimed to be implemented into a genetic counseling setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]