Who should have genetic counseling?

Genetic counseling is recommended for:

• Parents of a child with a birth problem
• People with a family history of intellectual disability, developmental delay or any other birth problem
• Members of racial or ethnic groups with a high incidence of genetic disorders — for example, African Americans (sickle cell anemia), Ashkenazi Jews (Tay-Sachs), and those of Greek, Italian and Asian descent (thalassemia)
• Women over 35 years of age who are pregnant or considering pregnancy
• Couples who have experienced two or more miscarriages
• Couples who have had a stillborn baby
• Parents of infants who have died of unknown causes
• Anyone with a relative who has a significant intellectual disability