A genetic counselor is the person you go to to determine the risk you have of passing a genetic disease onto your children, or to help you understand the risk of developing certain diseases. They will study your family's pedigrees and create multiple punnet squares off of them. These tools will help them figure out the chances that you have or of you passing the disease and help advise you. They will teach you about the disease and help give you the right medical support.
Genetic counseling can happen at multiple times during a persons life. Such as, before conceiving a child, during pregnancy (if a flaw is noted on an ultrasound), if a birth defect is noted, during childhood(if your child is developing slower than normal), and during adulthood(if you are experiencing symptoms of adult onset genetic diseases).
Genetic counselors generally have an extensive understanding about genetic diseases and how they are passed down from generation to generation. Usually, they have a masters degrees in genetic counseling.
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