Genes and chromosomes are responsible for passing on many defining family traits from one generation to the next, as well as certain abnormalities and illnesses. Nemours pediatric geneticists – pediatricians with special training in genetics – diagnose and manage genetic disorders in children and also offer families the medical support they need when faced with a genetic problem.
A child may be referred to a geneticist if he or she has:
- a birth defect or physical malformation
- problems with growth and development
- known or suspected metabolic disease
- significant learning and behavior problems
- a family history of a genetic condition (such as muscular dystrophy or cystic fibrosis)
- a medical problem whose cause is unknown
A family might also choose to see a geneticist as part of a pre-adoption evaluation for a domestic or international adoption.
Orlando
Nemours Children's Clinic, Orlando
1717 South Orange Avenue,
Suite 100
Orlando, FL 32806
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Phone: (407) 650-7000
Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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- photo ID
- medical and pharmacy insurance cards
- preferred pharmacy name and phone number
- names and dosage of all medications, including over-the-counter medication, your child is currently taking
- guardianship and custody papers, if a legal guardian rather than a parent accompanies your child
Resources for Patients & Families
- Insurance We Accept: See accepted insurance, listed by location
- Pay Your Bill: Use online bill pay or send by mail
- Financial Assistance: Help with your child's health care expenses
- MyNemours: Access your child’s medical record online
The Nemours Children’s Clinic, Orlando, provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for genetic disorders in children.
What to Expect at a Visit
A family whose child has been referred to a Nemours geneticist will receive a call from one of our genetic counselors prior to the visit. These professionals work closely with the medical geneticists, gathering information about your family history and your child’s medical history.
During the visit, the geneticist will review the information you provided as well as ask additional questions about your child’s health and development. He or she will also perform a thorough physical exam and often order X-rays, other imaging studies (such as a CT scan or MRI), and blood work. In many cases, more specialized laboratory tests may also be necessary, such as chromosome analysis, metabolic studies, and molecular DNA testing.
Because many of these tests must be performed in special labs, it can take a while to get the results. The genetic counselor, working with the geneticist, will keep you informed of the results. Sometimes studies need to be performed on the parents as well, in order to compare them with the child’s results.
In the case of prospective adoption, the genetics specialists will review the report of the medical history and examination that has been provided, including photos or videos of the child to be adopted, and any X-ray or laboratory test results available.
After Your Visit
If a condition is identified after a diagnostic evaluation, our staff will begin the process of educating and counseling families about the condition, its cause, prognosis (outlook), treatment, and risk of recurrence.
We may also consult with other pediatric subspecialties, such as Endocrinology or Metabolism, to create a management plan based on the child’s needs. Genetic counseling is also available to help families assess their risk of passing on the condition in the future and to make family planning decisions.
