What to Do After Getting Life-Changing Ancestry DNA Test Results

By Kellie Scott

ABC Lifestyle

Topic: DNA Testing

Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 4:57 am

People often get genetic testing kits as gifts, which can lead to unexpected family secrets.

About 40 million people have taken DNA tests to learn about their family history and culture.

These tests can reveal surprising family secrets, including unknown parents or siblings.

A CEO of a support organization says DNA test results can be life-changing and disrupt a person's sense of identity.

She also says that the truth from DNA tests can be hard for some people to accept.

Knowing where to get help and how to make sense of the results can be very useful.

Intense and conflicting emotions

DNA testing can cause shock, confusion, or numbness, says a psychology expert.

Especially if the results challenge what you thought about your identity or family history.

Research shows that unexpected DNA discoveries can change how you see yourself and your life story.

It's normal to feel grief, anger, or sadness, but also curiosity.

Some people have positive outcomes, like understanding family dynamics or connecting with new relatives.

Your response to the new information may change over time.

If you've taken a DNA test, we'd like to hear about your experience.

Tell someone you trust

DNA test results can start a difficult journey, says a support organization CEO.

These journeys can reveal unexpected information.

Having someone to support you is important.

Make sure you have a good support network around you.

Let someone important know what's happening.

How to find more information

Depending on what you discovered, there are services you can contact.

If the DNA results clearly show your parents are not your biological family, you might have been adopted.

If you're thinking of taking a DNA test for fun, be aware you might find more than you expected.

You can contact state government adoption services for information.

That's a good first step to try to piece together what you can.

When you apply, you can get a copy of your original birth certificate, which shows your mother's identity.

The adoption order usually includes social information about the adoption.

It might have some information about the circumstances of the adoption.

You can then contact post-adoption support services in your state or territory.

These organizations have experience supporting people searching for family members.

Reunion is not always like what you see on TV or in movies.

There's the detective work of finding family members and understanding the context of forced adoption and its shame and stigma.

It can be wonderful but also complex and challenging.

DNA test results can lead to various emotions, including excitement about new family members.

Such services also support people who are donor-conceived.

In some states, there are central sperm donor registries, and a registry for Queensland is being set up.

In other states and territories, each fertility clinic keeps these details, but navigating historical records can be difficult.

Initial donor conception programs were based on anonymity, but now legislation supports the right to know one's identity.

Unfortunately, many records are incomplete, destroyed, damaged, or falsified.

For some people, questions may remain unanswered, especially if parents or relatives are no longer alive.

Professional support

Many people searching for family members work with volunteer researchers or Search Angels.

Understand what working with a Search Angel entails.

Be careful when sharing personal information online when searching for family via social media.

Seeking support from a psychologist can provide a safe space to process complex feelings.

Services like VANISH can connect people with counseling and peer support.

If you uncover health information via your DNA results, speak to your GP.

People want to know about health risks and preventative information.

GPs have varying levels of comfort and knowledge around genetics, so you may need a referral.

Tips for talking to family

Speaking with parents or family members about why information was kept from you can be difficult.

Understanding betrayal trauma, where secrecy is the core issue, is important.

Approach the discussion using 'I' statements, expressing your feelings.

Remember that secrets are often tied to fear, shame, trauma, or cultural pressures.

Listen to the other person's perspective and try to understand their viewpoint.

Approach conversations from a place of curiosity.

Adoptive parents may have sensitivities like difficulty conceiving or shame.

Whatever path you take, take your time.

These discoveries can have a huge impact on your life.

While there's a sense of urgency to find out about your family, move at a pace that feels right for you.

Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 4:57 am

Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 9:22 am

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