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What is Genetic Counselling?
Genetic counselling may involve the diagnosis of a genetic condition, the provision of information and supportive counselling (advice and guidance) by a team of health professionals, so that families and individuals may be better able to adjust to diagnosis. Follow-up counselling is available to ensure on-going support, review previous information or to answer new questions as they arise.
| Clinical Geneticists | Medical Practitioners with a genetics speciality, certified by the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) to provide clinical genetics services. |
| Genetic Counsellors | Graduate health professionals with specialist training in genetics and counselling, certified by the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA), to provide genetic counselling in conjunction with a clinical geneticist. |
| Social Workers | Health professionals with a special interest in genetics and particular disorders, who work closely with clinical geneticists, genetic counsellors and support groups, offering counselling and practical resources for families and individuals. |
| Fetal Medicine Specialist | Medical practitioners with expertise and qualifications in the provision of prenatal diagnosis and counselling. |
What happens in genetic counselling?
During the consultation a family history is taken to provide information about the health of family members. A diagnosis of a genetic disorder may be made or confirmed; on the other hand, a family member may be reassured to find that he/she does not have, or is unlikely to develop the disorder in question.
Where there is a genetic disorder in a family, the genetic counsellor can estimate the risks that other family members will be affected, or are likely to pass on, the abnormal gene for the disorder. This may involve carrier detection testing or predictive testing. Often, a person is reassured following genetic counselling, when a disorder is shown to be unlikely to recur in the family.
The impact and possible effects of the disorder on the individual and their family can be discussed in a supportive atmosphere. Management strategies can then be developed and helpful community resources identified.
Many genetic disorders can be diagnosed before birth. During genetic counselling, prenatal diagnosis and other reproductive options can be discussed to ensure that any decision regarding these matters is made on an informed basis. Appropriate testing, including carrier and presymptomatic testing, can be organised.
If a fetal abnormality is identified as a result of prenatal diagnosis testing, information and supportive counselling is provided.
Where there has been exposure to a potential teratogen (a chemical or environmental agent which can cause birth defects), genetic counselling provides an opportunity to obtain current information and support.