Genetic Counseling in Pediatrics

Genetic counseling is a communication process whereby an individual or family obtains information about a genetic condition, is helped to understand the implications and significance of the condition, and is given resources to help with coping and management. It is a continuous process involving lasting supportive relationships between the family and the genetic professional. Genetic counselors are master's level-trained health-care professionals who work closely with pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists alike. Genetic counselors can be a source of information about genetic conditions, risk assessment for disease, and genetic testing. Although most of a genetic counselor's job is patient care and education, genetic counselors also serve as resources to educate health professionals about genetics.