What Genetic Services Do Children and Families Need?
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Genetic diagnoses are made by physicians trained to recognize signs and symptoms of genetic diseases, and skilled in interpreting genetic test results. They are medical geneticists.
Many other physicians – both generalists and specialists – are also able to establish genetic diagnoses as a result of a family’s history, signs, and symptoms.
Genetic counsellors are specially trained health professionals who help address issues before and after a person decides to take a genetic test. They are an important resource for families seeking to understand genetic information.
Since genetics is a rapidly evolving clinical field, patients and their families are confronting increasingly complicated issues in their healthcare. As such, a family recently diagnosed with a genetic disorder requires both medical and emotional support. continued…