We offer genetic testing, genetic counseling, and diagnostic evaluation and medical management of genetic conditions, birth defects and developmental delays. We have a special focus on preconception and hereditary cancers, and work with specialty clinics for cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, metabolic disorders, sickle cell disease, spina bifida and skeletal dysplasias.
Finding a genetic cause for a child's developmental or medical issues may be important in identifying other associated health issues, accessing the appropriate services or understanding recurrence risks for relatives and future pregnancies.
Genetic services may be appropriate for your family if you have a child with:
Clinical Geneticist
Clinical Geneticist
Akron Children's Genetic Center offers prenatal screening services that allow our genetic counselors to assist couples concerned about their chance of having a baby with a birth defect or genetic condition.
At Akron Children's prenatal clinic, genetic counselors explain prenatal testing options, interpret test results, discuss treatment options and provide supportive counseling. Genetic counselors also obtain family and pregnancy histories and provide risk assessments.
We deliver the information in a non-directive manner, so you can make your own decisions when considering prenatal testing options.
You and your partner may benefit if you have concerns related to:
Because the practice of genetics involves the entire family, we serve patients of all ages. Even when the initial concern involves a child, it may be appropriate to evaluate and/or test adult members of the family who may also be affected or at risk of having children with the same disorder. We are sometimes able to make diagnoses in adults that could not be made when they were children.
Some genetic conditions also may not become evident until adulthood. Research has shown that a number of adult-onset conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and hypertension have significant genetic components.
The decision to pursue predictive genetic testing before symptoms of these disorders appear may be very personal and complex. We provide information, risk assessment, support and offer genetic testing when appropriate for adults, as well as other family members at risk for these conditions and many others.
We see adults in many settings, including our adult-focused preconception, prenatal and hereditary cancer programs. Genetic services are covered by most insurance companies, Medicaid and other third-party payers such as the Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps (BCMH).
