Advice given to a prospective parental couple regarding the inheritance of a pathological condition related to the couple’s genetic endowment.
A specialty of genetic medicine. Its goal is to present the occurrence of genetic defects. The counselor determines the risks potential parents face in having a defective child. This is done through genetic screening and the establishment of family histories or pedigrees. The genetic counselor determines the cause of a genetic defect in a family, whether it is due to a defective gene, chromosome, environmental factors, or a combination of these. The potential parents are then advised on the probability of passing a defect to their future offspring, genetic counselor.
A guidance service, often offered by a physician with special training in medical genetics, that helps prospective parents assess their risk of having a child with a genetic disorder or the likelihood that a disorder that might affect one child will appear in other, later children. Counselors explain the pattern of genetic inheritance that leads to such disorders and give parents the background information necessary for deciding whether or not to try to have a child.
Process of determining the risk of a particular genetic disorder occurring within a family and providing information and advice based on that determination; used to help couples in family planning and in the care of children affected or thought to be affected with a particular genetic disorder. An accurate diagnosis is essential and may require special biochemical and cell studies; a careful and complete family medical history is also needed. The subjects of prenatal diagnosis, artificial insemination, sterilization, and termination of a pregnancy may be included in the counseling, depending on the particular disease and circumstances involved.
A process in which individuals or families at risk for genetic disorders can learn about the disorders and the options for dealing with them. Genetic counseling can also help couples assess their risks of having children with genetic disorders.
A clinical service with informational, educational, and psychological components to provide individuals and families as to the likelihood of their offspring having genetic (hereditary) conditions, defects, or diseases. A number of disciplines are involved: physicians, nurses, clinical geneticists, genetic counselors, social workers.
The education of patients and families about prenatal diagnosis of illnesses; diagnosis and management of children with birth defects or developmental delay; or diagnosis and management of adult-onset syndromes and their potential effects on disability, employment, health, and longevity.
The process of informing a person or couple about their genetic makeup.