What is genetic counselling?

Genetic counselling provides information and support to an individual or to a family about genetic disorders.

What is a genetic disorder?

A genetic disorder is one caused by a change in the inherited genetic material in a person's cells, or in other words their 'genes'. Some genetic disorders occur in more than one member of a family. This is called a familial disorder.

However, sometimes a disorder shows unexpectedly when a child is born and there has been no previous family history of this. This may be caused by a new change in the genetic material (a new mutation).

How do genetic disorders happen?

Genetic disorders occur for two major reasons:

Genetic mutations

All of us carry genetic changes (mutations) which in most cases don't affect our health or well-being. Children of parents who have the same genetic change may develop a genetic disorder or illness.

A new mutation

Occasionally, a new change can occur, often just at conception (right at the start of pregnancy when the male germ cell fertilises the female germ cell).

How can genetic services help?

During a meeting with a clinical geneticist or a counsellor, a full family history and other information would be used to make or confirm a diagnosis of the medical condition.

This can be then used to explain how it occurred, understand what the future progress is likely to be, and evaluate recurrence risks for future pregnancies.

Appropriate tests that are available can be offered for the child and to other family members who may be concerned about their own chances of having children with the disorder.

Counselling is often reassuring because the impact and possible effects of the disorder can be discussed in an appropriate and supportive atmosphere. Ways of dealing with the disorder can be developed, and families can be put in touch with helpful community resources.

Who uses genetic counselling?

Counselling is appropriate when:

• a child is born with several abnormalities
• there is a history in the family of a medical condition
• a woman has a history of several miscarriages
• women is aged over 35 years and pregnant - even though she may have had other healthy pregnancies and children
• anyone who has uncertainties about their genetic risks and family medical background.

Where can you get genetic counselling?

Genetic services in New Zealand are limited, and are based in Wellington and Auckland, with clinics held in some other centres. Freephone numbers are available.

You may contact these services directly, or be referred by your doctor or other health professional.

Further information and support

Northern Regional Genetic Services
Private Bag 92024
Building 18
Auckland Hospital Site
Grafton
Auckland
ph (09) 307 4949 extn 5530
toll free 0800 476 123
fax (09) 307 4978
email gensec@adhb.govt.nz

Central Regional Genetic Services
Wellington Hospital
Private Bag 7902
Wellington
ph (04) 385 5310
toll free 0508 364 436
fax (04) 385 5822

Central Regional Genetic Services
Room 124 Hagley
Christchurch Hospital
Christchurch
ph (03) 379 1898 or (03) 364 0640 extn 89777
toll free 0508 364 436 (South Island callers)
fax (03) 379 1343

Original material supplied by Northern Regional Genetic Services.