Parents’ Guide to Developmental & Genetic Disorders

Empowering Parents with Knowledge and Tools to Navigate Genetic Disorders

Understanding Genetic Disorders

Genetic disorders are conditions caused by abnormalities in an individual’s DNA, resulting from mutations in a single gene, multiple genes, or chromosomal abnormalities. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve a child’s quality of life. Understanding genetic disorders, which can affect physical health, development, and cognitive functions, is crucial for parents to provide the best care and support. These conditions can be inherited or occur spontaneously, and advances in genetic research have enhanced our ability to diagnose and manage them. Awareness of genetic conditions enables parents to seek appropriate medical advice and interventions early on.

Common Genetic Disorders and Their Diagnosis

Several genetic disorders are commonly seen in children, each with unique characteristics and challenges. For instance, Down Syndrome, caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, leads to developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and distinctive facial features. Cystic Fibrosis affects the respiratory and digestive systems with thick mucus production, leading to severe respiratory and digestive problems. Sickle Cell Disease involves abnormal hemoglobin, causing red blood cells to become sickle-shaped, leading to pain, anemia, and other complications. Fragile X Syndrome, the most common inherited cause of intellectual disabilities, affects cognitive and behavioral development, often resulting in learning disabilities and social challenges. Diagnosing these disorders involves genetic testing, which can be conducted prenatally, during infancy, or later in childhood, and includes family medical history, genetic screening, and diagnostic tests.

Supporting Your Child and the Role of Research  

Early identification of developmental delays is key to ensuring children receive the support they need. Parents and caregivers should monitor their child’s progress and consult healthcare providers if there are concerns. Pediatricians use standardized screening tools to assess development and identify concerns. Comprehensive evaluations may include genetic testing, neurodevelopmental assessments, and speech and language evaluations. With appropriate interventions and support, children with developmental delays can make significant progress and achieve better outcomes. Early, proactive measures are crucial in transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and development.

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Articles about Parents’ Guide to Developmental & Genetic Disorders

  • Parents' Guide to Genetic Disorders
    ehlers-danlos facial features

    Ehlers-Danlos Facial Features

    Ehlers-Danlos is a complicated genetic disorder, of which there are currently 13 major types identified. Ehlers-Danlos affects the connective tissue of the body. Connective tissue supports and structures the skin, blood, organs, bones and blood vessels of the body. Ehlers Danlos causes issues with collagen production, affecting multiple parts and systems of the body.

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  • Parents' Guide to Genetic Disorders
    down syndrome facial features

    Down Syndrome Facial Features

    Recognized as one of the most common genetic syndromes, and chromosomal abnormality disorders, Down syndrome has a prevalence, in the US, of around 1 in every 700 live births. This makes it one of the most common of genetic syndromes, and it is definitely the most well-known.

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  • Parents' Guide to Genetic Disorders
    fragile x facial features

    Fragile X Syndrome Facial Features

    Fragile X is a rare disease, and a member of a recognized family of genetic disorders caused by the partial or complete mutation of a specific gene. In the case of Fragile X this mutation affects the FMR1 gene.  A complete mutation of the

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  • Parents' Guide to Genetic Disorders
    klinefelter facial features

    Klinefelter Syndrome Facial Features

    Klinefelter is a rare disease that occurs in males. It is caused by the presence of an extra X chromosome, instead of XY chromosomes, affected individuals have XXY chromosomes. For this reason, the syndrome is also often known as XXY syndrome.

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  • Parents' Guide to Genetic Disorders
    autosomal recessive inheritance

    What is Autosomal Recessive Inheritance?

    Autosomal recessive inheritance refers to the way in which some genetic changes, or rare diseases, are passed down from parents to their offspring.  With autosomal recessive inheritance, the precise chromosomes affected are autosomal chromosomes. This means the gene mutation responsible for causing an autosomal recessive rare disease or disorder, is located on one of the first 22 non-sex chromosomes. The cells of the human body are made up of 46 chromosomes, in 23 pairs. Genes come in pairs – one is received from the mother, and one from the father.

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  • Parents' Guide to Genetic Disorders
    autosomal dominant inheritance

    What is Autosomal Dominant Inheritance?

    Autosomal dominant inheritance is a type of genetic inheritance and it explains the way in which a gene mutation is passed down from parent to child.  When it comes to autosomal dominant inheritance, just one copy of the gene mutation is enough to cause the related rare disease or genetic syndrome.

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  • Parents' Guide to Genetic Disorders
    x-linked inheritance

    What is X-linked inheritance?

    X-linked inheritance means that a gene mutation occurs on the sex chromosomes.  Females have two X sex chromosomes, males have one X and one Y sex chromosomes.  There are two main types of X-linked inheritance. A gene mutation inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern, is located on the X chromosome. Because of the fact that males have only one X chromosome, they will always be affected by rare diseases inherited according to this pattern. Females with two X chromosomes will generally be just carriers for the genetic mutation, and show no-limited, or very mild symptoms.

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  • Parents' Guide to Genetic Disorders
    chromosomal microdeletion

    What is Chromosomal Microdeletion?

    Chromosomal microdeletion syndromes are those caused by chromosomal deletions involving several genes. Chromosomal deletion occurs when parts of a chromosome (of which each cell of the body has 46, 23 pairs) are missing or deleted. Even the smallest part of a chromosome can contain many genes, and a deletion of this part of the chromosome can affect several genes.

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  • Parents' Guide to Genetic Disorders
    the most common chromosomal abnormaliies

    The Most Common Chromosomal Abnormalities

    Chromosomal abnormalities are the cause of many rare diseases, and other inherited diseases. These rare diseases often present with multiple symptoms, some of them congenital and present at birth, while others may develop later in childhood or adulthood.

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