LL2 Parents' Fault

2.1 Module summary

In this module, I refreshed my knowledge on the basics of genetic development such as DNA, which is a unique genetic code that makes us develop the way we do, chromosomes, which contain our genetic information within our cells, and genes, which are units of DNA that influence the development of one or more traits. The most interesting thing I learned from this module was about 4 types of disorders that babies can develop and how each one does so. Chromosomal disorders occur when chromosomes are missing, duplicated, or altered in a person. One of the most commonly known examples of a chromosomal disorder is Down Syndrome. One example of a genetic disorder is Huntington's disease, which is caused by a dominant gene that is defective and causes a person's mind and body to deteriorate over time. Hereditary disorders are acquired from biological/genetic parents or relatives, and include traits for sickle cell anemia or a specific eye color. Congenital disorders are acquired in the uterus and are present at birth. Fetal alcohol syndrome, which can result in physical and cognitive abnormalities, occurs in babies when a women drinks excessive amounts of alcohol during her pregnancy. I also learned about resources available to families with a child diagnosed with these disorders. Prenatal care for expectant mothers is an excellent resource to increase the likelihood of a healthy baby. Prenatal genetic testing is also a resource offered to expectant mothers who are interested in screening for abnormalities such as Down Syndrome or spina bifida. It is a preventative measure expectant mothers often take if a family member has already been diagnosed with a disorder like Down Syndrome. Another great resource is genetic counselors who offer information and guidance to expectant parents when it comes to genetic testing, diagnosis of disorders, and if surgery is a viable option to treat a disorder.

Reference:

Anthis, K. (2021) Child and Adolescent Development: A Social Justice Approach.

San Diego, CA: Cognella Academic Publishing.

2.3 How Good is Your Memory?

2.8 Barriers to Information Poem

2.5 Disorder Comparison Chart

It is important to be able to identify these disorders and know the differences between them in order to properly treat and be aware of how a disorder will affect your child should they have it. It is also important for people who have disorders that are genetic or hereditary to be well-versed on their disorder to able to support and care for their child should it be passed on to them, or take preventative measures to decrease the chances of passing a disorder to their children if that is an option in their case.

Reference:

Anthis, K. (2021) Child and Adolescent Development: A Social Justice Approach. San Diego, CA: Cognella Academic Publishing