List of genetic disorders to research:

 

1.         Your 16-yr-old daughter is 6' tall. After some discussion about her health and some probing by the family physician into your family's history, you are referred to a genetic counselor. The physician suspects the possibility of Marfan's Syndrome. Your daughter is currently on the varsity basketball team, and the season has just gotten underway.

            Your income: $55,000 Insurance: HMO, 80% coverage.

 

Individual 1 - Mother

Individual 2 - Daughter

Individual 3 - Genetic Counselor

 

 

2.         You and your wife have just lost a child to Tay-Sachs disease. You were referred to a genetic counselor before deciding to have more children.

            Your income: $75,000 Insurance: none

 

Individual 1 - Husband

Individual 2 - Wife

Individual 3 - Genetic Counselor

 

3.         You have just married. You and your spouse are healthy but your husband's brother has two children with sickle cell anemia and your sister has the same disease. You are thinking of having children and have sought the advice of a genetic counselor.

         Your income: $51,000 Insurance: none

 

Individual 1 - Husband

Individual 2 - Wife

Individual 3 - Genetic Counselor

 

4.         Gloria, 19, is married to Robert, 21, and they wish to start a family. Both of Gloria's parents are healthy (Sonia, 39, and Todd, 40). However, Gloria's grandfather died at the age of 43 after being diagnosed with Huntington's Disease. Gloria and Robert have many questions and seek out a genetic counselor for information.

            Income: $52,000. Insurance: both, through employers

 

Individual 1 - Husband

Individual 2 - Wife

Individual 3 - Genetic Counselor

 

5.         You and your husband are in your early forties and have decided you would like to have another child. Your physician refers you to a genetic counselor to discuss concerns regarding Down's Syndrome.

            Your income: $150,000 Insurance: 80% coverage

 

Individual 1 - Husband

Individual 2 - Wife

Individual 3 - Genetic Counselor

 

6.         Your oldest child has PKU that was diagnosed at birth. You are unexpectedly pregnant with a second child and have been referred to a genetic counselor.

            Your income: $72,000 Insurance: through your employer jointly; your husband has just been laid off from his job.

 

Individual 1 - Husband

Individual 2 - Wife

Individual 3 - Genetic Counselor