Pediatric Genetic Evaluation
Infants, children and adolescents are referred for genetic evaluation for a variety of reasons including:
- Developmental delay/intellectual disability
- Birth defects such as heart defect, cleft lip/palate
- Unusual growth patterns including short or tall stature, large or small head size, disproportionate growth, body a symmetry
- Sensory abnormalities such as deafness, blindness
- Unusual physical features such as multiple and/or unusual birth marks
- Known or suspected genetic disorder, for example muscular dystrophy, Prader-Willi syndrome, Noonan syndrome, Russel-Silver syndrome
- Maternal exposure to drugs, alcohol, chemicals or infections during the pregnancy with the child
- A family history of a known or suspected genetic condition
The professional genetics team including a Board Certified genetic counselor and geneticist provide the Genetic Evaluation. During the appointment, family and medical history is reviewed, a physical examination is performed and medical tests may be ordered, as appropriate, to evaluate for a possible diagnosis. Discussions may include an explanation of a specific genetic disorder, its inheritance pattern and risk of recurrence in a family and potential treatment options for the condition.
A written summary of the evaluation is provided to the patient and referring physician once completed by the entire genetics team.