The Division of Clinical Genetics at Nicklaus Children's Hospital, provides expert diagnosis, counseling, and treatment for a wide range of genetic disorders in children. A clinical geneticist and genetic counselor evaluate infants and children with developmental delays, unusual facial features, metabolic disorders, seizures, craniofacial anomalies, and failure to thrive. These are some of the reasons for which children are referred for evaluation by clinical geneticists. Prenatal patients are also seen for genetic counseling in advance of a planned pregnancy as well as for potential genetic problems in an ongoing pregnancy.
Genetic Testing and Screenings
Genetic Counseling Programs
Patients with a variety of genetic conditions are seen by a board-certified genetic counselor and clinical geneticist for counseling. Genetic counseling programs involve gathering detailed information regarding medical and family history, assessing risk for offspring and family members, discussing the origin and natural history of the issue, and describing genetic testing options.
Indications for referral include family history of a genetic condition, previous pregnancy with an abnormality/genetic condition, recurrent pregnancy loss, teratogen exposure, increased risk for genetic condition based on ethnicity, advanced maternal age, abnormal prenatal testing (screening or diagnostic), and ultrasound anomalies.