Genetic Counselling
Genetic counselling may involve the diagnosis of a genetic disorder, the provision of information and supportive counselling (advice and guidance) by a team of health professionals, so that families and individuals may be better able to adjust to diagnosis.
Follow-up counselling is available to ensure on-going support, review previous information or to answer new questions as they arise. (taken from the www.genetics.com.au website)
When should Genetic Counselling take place?
People should have genetic counselling whenever there is a positive result from a DNA test for Fragile X.
Very often the diagnosis takes people by surprise. The general lack of knowledge of the syndrome in most communities adds to the feelings of distress and worry which can accompany the diagnosis of a genetic condition.
Genetic counselling makes clear the opportunities open to couples for family planning and helps to explain the effect the diagnosis may have for the immediate and extended family. Often families need further counselling of a different type.
The shock of the diagnosis is often great and the family as a whole, and individual members of it, often need supportive counselling. It is important that those affected by a diagnosis are able to talk about their concerns.
More Information
The Centre for Genetic Education: www.genetics.com.au is an informative website with information of genetic counselling and education including factsheets regarding the various aspects of genetic services which are available for download. Lists all the genetic services in Australia.
More Information
The Centre for Genetic Education: www.genetics.com.au is an informative website with information of genetic counselling and education including factsheets regarding the various aspects of genetic services which are available for download. Lists all the genetic services in Australia.
Genetic Centres in Australia
New South Wales:
Hunter Genetics:
PO Box 84
Cnr Turton & Tinonee Rds
Waratah NSW 2298
Phone: 02 49853136
Fax: 02-49853131
GOLD SERVICE: Carolyn Rogers: carolyn.rogers@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au 02 49853137
Centre for Genetic Education: www.genetics.com.au An informative website with information of genetic counselling and education. Lists all the genetic services in Australia.
Queensland:
Royal Children’s Hospital and District Health Service
Genetic Health Queensland
Level 4, Building C28 Back Road
Herston, Queensland 4029
Phone: 07 3636 1686
Fax: 07 3636 1987
South Australia:
South Australia Clinical Genetic Service
Women’s and Children’s Hospital
72 King William Rd
North Adelaide SA 5006
Phone: 08 8161 7375
Fax: 08 8161 6088
Tasmania:
Tasmanian Clinical Genetics Service
C/- Royal Hobart Hospital
GPO Box 1061
Hobart, Tasmania 7001
Phone: (03) 6222 8296
Fax: (03) 6222 7961
Victoria:
Genetic Health Services Victoria
10th Floor, Royal Children’s Hospital
Flemington Rd
Parkville VIC 3052
Phone: 03 8341 6250
Website: www.genetichealthvic.net.au
Western Australia:
Genetic Services of WA is a state-wide service which offers a full range of diagnostic, counselling, investigative, educational and training programs relevant to the modern practice of clinical genetics. Referral to a genetic clinic is usually through the attendant general practitioner or specialist, however self-referrals are accepted. Clinical geneticists also provide consultation in hospital wards, neonatal nurseries, outpatients and after hours on-call cover.
Contact details for our Paediatric Genetic Service:
Phone: (08) 9340 1625
Fax: (08) 9340 1678
Contact details for our General service (for pregnant women and adults):
Phone: (08) 9340 1525
Fax: (08) 9340 1678
Email address: gswa@health.wa.gov.au