Genetic Counseling

Genetic counseling, as defined by the National Society of Genetic Counselors, is the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. This process integrates:

• Interpretation of family and medical histories to assess the chance of disease
  occurrence or recurrence.
• Education about inheritance, testing, management, prevention, resources and research.
• Counseling to promote informed choices and adaptation to the risk or condition.

NTSAD highly recommends genetic counseling to help you through the process of testing. A genetic counselor will likely be more familiar with testing guidelines and procedures than your primary doctor. He/She can act as your point person throughout the process to ensure you understand the tests and what the results mean for you, your children and extended family.