Genetic Conditions - Information and Support
What are genetic conditions?
Our genetic information, in the form of genes, is passed down through the family (inherited) from ancestors such as great-grandparents, to grandparents, to parents and to their children. If this inherited information is changed so that it becomes faulty (called a mutation), it may cause a genetic condition that can affect growth, development or health.
Many of the health or developmental problems seen at birth are either directly due to a fault in the genetic information, or are due to a combination of the inherited genetic information and environmental causes such as diet, chemical exposure and lifestyle. Other genetic conditions may not be noticed until childhood, adolescence or adulthood.
For general information about genetic conditions see Factsheets - Genetic Conditions.
Information Sheets
We can also provide an Information Sheet by special request about a specific genetic condition.
Finding Support Groups
Support Groups can provide affected individuals and families with information about the condition and community resources, as well as an understanding and empathic ear. There are hundreds of genetic conditions represented by support groups in Australasia and internationally.