Ny Hoang

Ny Hoang is an ABGC-certified genetic counsellor in the Autism Research Unit of the Genetics and Genome Biology program. She joined SickKids after receiving her master of science in Human Genetics from Sarah Lawrence College in 2011.

In her current role, she specializes in the genetic contributions to autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders.  She provides feedback to research participants involved in genomic sequencing studies and discusses the significance and implications of genetic results for both participants and the research community.  Ny is a member of Genomic Research Genetic Counsellors at SickKids, a Lecturer in the M.Sc. Genetic Counselling Program at the University of Toronto, and an administrative member of Genetic Counsellors of Ontario. Her areas of research interest include genomic technologies, autism spectrum disorder, and knowledge translation.

Research

Ny Hoang’s research focus is on the genetic contribution to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Over the past eight years, she has been part of Canada’s largest genome sequencing study in ASD. Using cutting-edge technologies, the study has identified hundreds of genetic risk factors for ASD and related conditions. This research aims to better understand the complex genetic etiology, the variable clinical presentations, and the relationship between the two in ASD. The hope is that this knowledge will lead to early detection and intervention, targeted therapies, and better quality of life for individuals with ASD. 

Watch the Genetics of Autism Spectrum Disorder video, developed by Ny Hoang and the Autism Research Unit at SickKids.

Education

• 2009: Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON 
• 2011: Master of Science in Human Genetics, Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY, USA 
• 2012–Present: Board Certified by American Board of Genetic Counseling 

Experience

• 2011–Present: Genetic Counsellor, Department of Genetic Counselling, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON 
• 2014–Present: Lecturer, Supervisor, Course Coordinator, M.Sc. Program in Genetic Counselling, Dept. of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON 

1. Trost B et al. Genome-wide detection of tandem DNA repeats that are expanded in autism. Nature. 2020 Jul 27. 
2. Schaaf et al. A framework for an evidence-based gene list relevant to autism spectrum disorder. Nat Rev Genet. 2020;21(6):367‐376. PMID: 32317787. 
3. Hoang N, Buchanan JA, Scherer SW. Heterogeneity in clinical sequencing tests marketed for autism spectrum disorders. NPJ Genom Med. 2018;3:27.
4. Hoang N, Cytrynbaum C, Scherer SW. Communicating complex genomic information: A counselling approach derived from research experience with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Patient Educ Couns. 2018 Feb;101(2):352-361.
5. Hoang N et al. Does personal genome testing drive service utilization in an adult preventive medicine clinic?. J Community Genet. 2017 Jul;8(3):151-158. 

See a full list of Ny Hoang's publications