For many parents, guilt is a constant emotion as we raise our children. But it shouldn't when it comes to genetics.
Pediatric Genetics: Parents Guide
Understanding pediatric genetics, and the diagnosing of rare diseases in children.
Understanding pediatric geneticsPediatric genetics is a highly specialized field dealing with the analysis and diagnosis of rare diseases and genetic syndromes in children. An early diagnosis is crucial in ensuring positive long-term outcomes for a rare disease patient. The earlier a diagnosis is found, the quicker children and their families can be connected with the right support and potential treatments for rare diseases.
Prenatal genetic testsIn recent years, prenatal genetic analysis and testing have made several advancements that allow parents to understand and make decisions regarding their future child's genetic health. These developments have included the introduction of increasingly accurate diagnostic tests for identifying inherited conditions in fetuses. These prenatal genetic tests have done a lot to increase awareness about rare diseases, their prevalence, and the risk factors. However, not all genetic syndromes can be diagnosed before birth. Many rare diseases present with congenital (present at birth) symptoms, but many develop within the first year of an infant's life or later in childhood.
Pediatric genetic analysisRecent developments in pediatric genetics, including the development and adoption of online genetic analysis and screening tools, allow parents direct access to advanced and accurate genetic analysis tools for their children. These include non-invasive options which can produce initial genetic analysis reports from the scanning of an uploaded image. Any parent with any concern about any area of their child's development, facial features, or other symptoms, can initiate the genetic analysis and diagnosis process themselves. Accessible genetic diagnosis tools are transforming pediatric genetics, and in the process, increasing awareness about the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of rare diseases. They are also bringing greater clarity to what is a highly specialized and complex field.
Misdiagnosis is also a serious concern within the field of pediatric genetics, just as it is in the diagnosis of rare diseases of individuals of all ages. But the faster children with rare diseases, and their families, are connected with a diagnosis, the faster they can receive support with the management of their condition. This improves outcomes for everyone.
FDNA™ Health can help you with the diagnostic journey.
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