Its an educational process that seeks to assist affected
individuals and other individuals
at risk of getting an inherited condition to understand the nature of the genetic disorder, its transmission and the options open to them in management and familyPlanning..
Sheldon Reed proposed the terminology, '' Genetic
counseling '' in 1947, In the response to the increasing knowledge of the role of genetics in health and disease. Genetic counseling aims to facilitate the exchange of Information regarding a person''s genetic legacy.
It attempts to :
Accurately diagnose a disorder
Assess the risk of recurrence in the concerned family member and relatives.
Provides alternatives for decision - making.
Provide support groups that will help family members cope with the recurrence of a disorder.