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.
Genetics plays a central role in many aspects of our physical and mental health. Our department helps to find answers for individuals and families with questions about causes or inheritance of birth defects, developmental differences and other conditions including cancer. Services may include thorough evaluation, testing, diagnosis, risk assessment, counseling, information and support.
Genetic services may be appropriate for your family if you have:
At Akron Children’s, your child’s health and safety is our priority. Please continue to bring your child for wellness visits, vaccinations or sick care appointments that keep children healthy. We want to assure you that we have taken additional precautions to ensure a safe environment for your child and family. The following are additional safety efforts, in addition to our normal cleaning protocols, that we are taking to help you be comfortable bringing your child to an appointment.
The number of caregivers permitted to accompany a child to an appointment is dependent on the department you are visiting. Everyone visiting an Akron Children's facility is asked to wear masks or face coverings, except for kids under 2 or those with sensory issues. Masks will be provided for visitors who do not bring their own.
Akron Children's now offers Mobile Check-in to limit your exposure to others. You'll receive a text an hour before your child's appointment arrival time. Click the link in the text when you reach the Akron Children's facility for your child's appointment. You will receive a confirmation text that reminds you to wait in your car. Once we determine appropriate spacing is available inside the building, you'll receive a third text to let you know it's OK to come in for your appointment.
Immediately upon entering the building, your temperature will be taken, either by a thermal scanner or a greeter who will also ask you a few questions.
If you are in a waiting room, you’ll notice signs and a limited number of chairs. This is to remind our patients to keep 6 feet of physical distance between your family and others.
Call your child’s healthcare professional if your child is sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing and has been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you live in or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Your health care professional will work with Ohio’s public health department and the CDC to determine if your child needs to be tested for COVID-19.
View all the safety precautions Akron Children's is taking.
We provide adult genetic services for a wide range of reasons including follow-up for adults with genetic conditions diagnosed in childhood, or evaluation of adult onset genetic conditions or birth defects, and other physical and mental conditions of unknown cause. In addition, genetics is playing an increasing role in risk assessment and risk reduction for common disorders such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.
A genetics evaluation includes a detailed medical and family history, physical exam and discussion of possible diagnosis and testing options.
Adults who may benefit include those with:
We provide preconception (before pregnancy) and prenatal (during pregnancy) services in collaboration with Akron Children’s Maternal Fetal Medicine Center for individuals or couples who want to learn more about their chances of having a baby with a birth defect, developmental difference or genetic condition.
Although most babies are born healthy, some couples have a higher chance of having a baby with a birth defect or genetic condition. We tailor our services for people who want to learn about the impact of their personal risk factors and family medical history. We will:
The best time to seek this information is prior to pregnancy.
We provide pediatric genetic services for families whose child has a known or suspected genetic condition. A pediatric genetics evaluation includes a detailed family and medical history, thorough physical exam, testing and discussion of possible diagnoses and management options.
Pediatric genetic services can benefit children with: