Stork Genetics, LLC

Deciding to pursue genetic testing isn't like impulse buying that Raviah Me Red lipstick at Ulta.

It's a decision that takes a lot of thought, consideration, and discussion with someone who can not only be your sounding board, but knows what the hell they're talking about.

While there is no single percentage for ALL genetic conditions, new genetic variants are estimated to cause up to:

40% of cases of autism in which only one child in a family is affected

30 to 42% of unexplained developmental disorders

Across all genetic conditions, new genetic variants account for ~10% of recorded genetic changes.

This speaks nothing of incomplete penetrance, variable expressivity, and different inheritance patterns.

Whether it's epilepsy, autism, congenital heart defects, or a thousand other possibilities, genetic contributions vary - and genetic testing can help clarify your unique situation.

Need guidance? Cue the refrain:
Talk to a genetic counselor.

Information about your risks for birth defects and cancer.

Discussions on genetic testing options and result interpretation.

Posts regarding genetic advancements and endless attempts to correct blatant misinformation (no, MTHFR is NOT the cause of your baldness nor is it related to autism for goodness sake!)

Genetic counselors have YET to snag the attention, curiosity, and following like a racoon from Seattle with a genetic condition.

How is it that people care more about the health of this racoon than their own health?

Jimothy, I have GOT to hire your PR agency!

Did you know that most genetic disorders occur in people with NO family history.

And yet, having a genetic counselor as a part of your primary care provider's team is virtually unheard of.

So, why wait for a genetic red flag when you can embrace genetic counseling as part of your regular health check-up?

It's not about fear; it's about empowerment.

🧬🔥

A CT scan of your brain will not detect high cholesterol.

An x-ray of your arm will provide no insight on kidney failure.

And carrier screening is not designed to diagnosis you with a hereditary cancer syndrome.

Know what your test assessed.

Better yet, talk to a genetic counselor before pursuing a genetic test in the first place.

While reproductive genetic counselors are a major part of the field, there is no shortage of those who practice in the fields of cancer, neurology, and cardiology, to name a few.

Regardless of the specialty, all are there to help you with your genetic health concerns.

Genetic counselors (GC) specialize just like doctors.

Cancer, pediatric, metabolic, reproductive, neurology. The list goes on and on.

Got questions? There's a GC for that.

My question was asked to gather on WHAT CAUSES related to her provider was testing for.

My question was not asking what bodily sample they were testing.

Be it blood, saliva or cheek swabs - I don't care. You can pretty much get the same from each.

What I do care about is if they are looking at one condition ( ), a panel of associated with a condition (autism spectrum disorder panel), or more comprehensive testing, such as chromosome microarray analysis ( ) or whole exome or genome sequencing ( or ).

Because knowing this is kinda sorta a really big deal to inform risk for , , and overall management.

Let's be .

have a unique bond forged through a first mentality in a system that often lacks this value.

Well, that and our .

We've all had those cases where at least one component, if not 12, set our teeth on edge.

Mine? When a patient's partner sat in my office and proceeded to put his feet on my desk as a show of just how much he did not want to be there. The fact that it happened 20 years ago and is still with me tells you something.👣

So. What's your situation?

Spill the tea in the comments and forge that bond. ☕