Genetic Testing & Family Planning (Day 2 AAC 2024)

As with any hereditary disease, genetics are often of utmost importance to those with Ataxia and their families. In this session, a genetic counselor will discuss the role genetics plays in most Ataxias and the importance of working with a care team when someone at risk chooses to be tested. Genetic testing can help inform decisions around family planning, healthcare and lifestyle choices, and professional and financial planning. A confirmed genetic diagnosis is also often a requirement for participation in clinical trials. One option for family planning will be discussed by an Ataxian who, along with her husband, chose to go through preimplantation genetic diagnosis along with in vitro fertilization. Their difficult but ultimately successful journey will be presented, with time set aside for questions at the end. Presented by Meron Azage, CGC Featuring Jessica Oberlin For more information on Ataxia, please visit our website: https://www.ataxia.org Become a Free NAF member! https://bit.ly/JoinNAF Follow us on Social Media! NAF Facebook:   / ataxiafounda.  . NAF Twitter:   / naf_ataxia   NAF Instagram:   / ataxiafound.  . Ataxia Subreddit:   / ataxia   As interest continues to grow from the pharmaceutical industry in developing drugs to treat Ataxia, we believe that collaboration among researchers, clinicians, pharmaceutical companies, and Ataxia patients is at a critical moment. Each of these groups must work together, as partners, to advance progress toward better patient care and more effective treatments for Ataxia. 2024 AAC was a place to connect, learn, and take action toward accelerating treatment development!