Why See a Genetic Counselor?
Genetic counselors are specially trained healthcare professionals that are experts in genetic medicine. Many different types of people in a variety of situations can benefit from a visit with a genetic counselor. To find a genetic counselor, go to http://www.findageneticcounselor.com/ or contact us. Here are some of the most common reasons why a meeting with a genetic counselor could be recommended:
Pediatric:
- Individuals generally meet with both a medical geneticist and genetic counselor for a genetic evaluation and consultation
- Children who have a personal history of:
- A birth defect
- Intellectual or learning disability
- Developmental delay
- Failure to thrive
- Autism
- Hearing/visual impairment
- Metabolic disorder
- Progressive neurological condition/movement disorder
- Physical and/or cognitive impairments that are suggestive of a specific genetic syndrome
Adult:
Individuals who have a personal or family history of an adult-onset genetic condition including:
- Cardiology (unexplained sudden cardiac death, unexplained cardiomyopathy, congenital heart defect)
- Neurology (Huntington Disease, ALS, frontotemporal dementia)
- Hematologic conditions (bleeding/clotting disorders)
Cancer:
Individuals who have:
- A personal/family history of early onset cancer
- Multiple generations of cancer in their family
- A personal/family history of bilateral or rare cancers
Please visit the Georgia Cancer Genetics Network website for more information about cancer genetic counseling as well as cancer genetic counselors in Georgia – Click Here.
Prenatal/Preconception:
Individuals or couples who are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant who have:
- A personal or family history of multiple pregnancy losses
- A personal or family history of infertility
- A chance of being a carrier of a genetic condition based on ethnicity
- A risk to have a child with a genetic condition or birth defect based on family history or maternal age
- An abnormal prenatal screen result, ultrasound finding, or newborn screening result