Genetic counselling

[NoDontLickThat]

My DP has a daughter with Rett syndrome, and I have a son with asd. When he had the dx for his daughter, genetic counselling was mentioned for if he wanted future children but at the time that was the last thing on his mind. Now we would like to have a child together, would we be eligible for genetic counselling, and if so what would happen?

I feel sure you can as I think Retts syndrome is linked to the male in some cases. It can occur sporadically though with genetially normal parents and rarely from the mother. Your GP will refer you.

Its not linked to ASD though (unless in a way they have not discovered yet). There is a website. www.rettuk.org and a HELPLINE: 01582 798911. [email protected] I am sure they will help you.

Thanks a lot, so if we had the genetic counselling it would basically tell us if DP is linked to the Rett Syndrome, increasing the chances of us having a child with Retts? Would they be able to rule out any other type of disability?

It could certainly rule him out if he was genetically clear. If he had the gene I dont know what the chances of him passing it on are. certain genetic conditions are dominant and some recessive and those characteristics determine the likelihood of passing on the gene. Whether they would LOOK for other genetic conditions I am not sure. If you look at articles about the human genome its incredibly complex...I mean majorly complex! Would the Rett society have these answers for you, I've only got a basic idea as a relative (not blood related) had huntingdons so I looked into it then.