Genetics

A child's health and development can be influenced by their genetic factors and family’s health history. We support families by offering pediatric genetic counselling and reproductive genetic counselling.

Both children and women meet with the genetics team for a variety of reasons. 

A child may be referred to genetics for:

• Birth defect
• Unusual appearance
• Developmental delay or loss of skills
• Autism
• Speech delay
• Muscle problems
• Problems with the brain, spinal cord or other nerves
• Certain types of cancer or non-cancerous tumors
• Blood disorder
• Endocrine issues
• Family history of a genetic or chromosomal disorder

A woman may be referred to genetics for:

• Pregnancy over the age of 40
• Personal or family history of a genetic or chromosomal disorder
• Personal or family history of birth defects or unexplained developmental delay
• Concerns about harmful exposure during pregnancy
• A disease that can cause birth defects or developmental concerns in a child
• Abnormal ultrasound results
• At-risk ethnic groups

Pediatric Genetic Counselling

When families visit our clinic, they have a lot of questions about their child’s health. We gather information to help reach a diagnosis. We do this by:

• Reviewing your child’s:
  • Prenatal history
  • Birth history
  • Developmental history
  • Medical history
  • Family history
• Completing a physical examination

Once our team has analyzed this information, we meet with your family to talk about possible genetic testing, the results of genetic tests and the possible diagnosis. We make recommendations and referrals to make sure you are connected with the right services for you and your child. 

Receiving a medical diagnosis for your child can be stressful, and our team is here for you. Families can meet with a genetic counsellor for emotional support and to discuss family planning if appropriate.

Reproductive Genetic Counselling

Reproductive genetic counselling provides individuals and couples with information to help them make important decisions before getting pregnant and during pregnancy. 

In some cases, two people trying to conceive will have carrier testing done for a genetic condition that exists in the family or that is common in their ethnic group. We also help couples review the benefits and limitations of tests like chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis (sampling of amniotic fluid) for finding abnormalities in the fetus.