What I wish I knew then...reflections from personal experiences in counseling about Down syndrome.
Sharing the news about a newborn baby's diagnosis of Down syndrome with families is a scenario genetic counselors frequently face. Yet often we may feel uncomfortable or unsure how to best support families in this setting in a way that will foster competence and resilience. This commentary is a reflection of one genetic counselor's experiences in counseling about Down syndrome over the course of her career and how her thinking has transitioned from a medical based model of disability to a more individual and family-focused model. Ideas and suggestions are offered that genetic counselors can incorporate into their practice.
Brasington
Campbell K
CK
Clinical Genetics, Carolinas Medical Center, 1100 Blythe Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203, USA. campbell.brasington@carolinashealthcare.org
D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D013850:Thinking
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