Overview
Approximately three percent of all living newborns have a birth defect or health problem. These conditions may be evident shortly after birth or later in the child's life. A study published in 2004 in the American Journal of Human Genetics found that a significant genetic component was found in 71% of children admitted to pediatric hospitals (AJHG 74:121-127, 2004).
Children who are not reaching developmental milestones or have characteristics of a genetic condition may be referred to as one of Emory Genetics' Specialty or General Pediatric Genetics Clinic. Specialty clinics are held for patients with Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Down Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, and Lysosomal Storage Diseases. Appointments are scheduled at Emory Genetics located at 1365 Clifton RD., Building B, Suite 2200, in Atlanta, GA. Families meet with a team of genetic professionals, including an M.D. Clinical Geneticist. Scroll down for more information on an individual clinic. Potential reasons for pediatric genetic counseling & evaluation include a child with a:
- Birth defect, or suspected birth defect
- Suspected or diagnosed genetic syndrome
- Chromosomal syndrome
- Metabolic disorder
- Developmental delay
- Family history of a genetic condition