Statewide Genetics Outreach

In a collaborative effort to educate the public on genetic developmental disorders, The Department of Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine along with the University of Texas at Austin - Texas Center for Disability Studies, the Texas Department of State Health Services, and Texas Children's regularly host a series of community webinars across the State of Texas. 

The Genetics Webinar Series for Health Professionals is a collaboration between the department and our partners at Texas Children's Hospital, the University of Texas at Austin - Texas Center for Disability Studies, Texas Health and Human Services Department of State Health Services, and Texas Health and Human Services Early Childhood Intervention program.

All webinars are available for free on the ECI archived webinar page under the “Genetics Series” section for those who are not able to participate in the live event.

"Genetic Disorders of Early-Onset Obesity"

Wednesday, April 26, 2023
12 p.m. CST

Speakers:  Farah Ladha, M.S., C.G.C., Board-Certified Genetic Counselor at Texas Children’s Hospital; Laura Buckner, M.Ed., LPC, Program Manager, Community Education, Texas Center for Disability Studies, University of Texas at Austin

In this webinar, Ms. Ladha will describe syndromic and nonsyndromic forms of early-onset obesity, discuss the utility of genetic testing for obesity in the pediatric population, and review case examples of genetic obesity conditions. 

Laura Buckner, program manager of community education at the Texas Center for Disability Studies at University of Texas at Austin, will describe the use of the LifeCourse Trajectory tool to explore what one wants to do/not do in managing a condition with obesity.

ECI service providers including EISs, Social Workers and LPCs will be able to obtain CEUs from these events. SLPs and Audiologists will be able to receive one CEU credit hour within the first 15 minutes of the live webinar. This program has been approved for one clock hour of continuing education credit by the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA). TSHA approval does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

For questions, contact Paul Nixon at Paul.Nixon@hhs.texas.gov.

These seminars were presented and recorded thanks to support by University of Texas: Texas Center for Disability Studies and the Department of State Health Services. Estos seminarios se presentaron y grabaron gracias al apoyo de la Universidad de Texas: el Centro de Estudios sobre Discapacidades de Texas y el Departamento de Servicios de Salud del Estado de Texas.

“What to do when you suspect your child has a genetic condition”
This webinar discusses the steps you can take if you suspect your child has development or learning differences or unexplained medical issues. We review the top reasons why a child can benefit from a genetic evaluation, key steps in the process, and if a diagnosis is made, how to get the services your child needs. Using person-centered practices, we discuss the one-page medical profile of your child that can be used in medical appointments. Speakers were Dr. Kevin Glinton, Liz Mizerik, MS, CGC and Laura Buckner, M.Ed., LPC.
Watch Webinar

¿Qué hacer si usted sospecha que su niño tiene una condición genética?
Este seminario virtual hablaremos sobre los pasos que usted puede seguir si sospecha que su niño tiene diferencias en el desarrollo o aprendizaje o problemas médicos inexplicables. Discutiremos las principales razones por las que un niño puede beneficiarse de una evaluación genética, los pasos clave del proceso y, si se realiza un diagnóstico, cómo obtener los servicios que su niño necesita. Usando prácticas centradas en la persona, discutiremos sobre el perfil médico de su niño el cual se puede usar en las citas médicas.
Watch Webinar

“Genetics and Support Resources for Families”
This webinar focuses on trusted online genetic resources as well as local, state and national resources for families impacted by a genetic condition. Speakers were Amanda Gerard, MS, CGC and Susan Fernbach, RN, BSN from Baylor College of Medicine and Laura Buckner, M.Ed., LPC from UT Texas Center for Disability Studies.
Watch Webinar

Fragile X: A Conversation
The genetics and care of children and families with Fragile X Syndrome as well as the person behind the diagnosis and how best to support them. Presenters in this webinar are Dr. Daryl Scott, Baylor College of Medicine and Laura Buckner, M.Ed., L.P.C., UT Texas Center for Disability Studies
Watch Webinar / Fact Sheet / Watch Animation

“Mi hijo presenta dificultades en su desarrollo. Porqué asistir con un medico genetista? 
Esta charla discuta los componentes en el desarrollo de habilidades en niñas y niños y los signos de alerta que indican que la niña y el niño necesitan ser valorados por un profesional.  Hablamos que un diagnóstico inesperado puede afectar el ‘viaje’ de la vida. Qué  pasos puede tomar hoy, manana que nos ayude a garantizar que el viaje continue y lo lleve a su idea de una ‘buena vida’. Speakers:  Dra. Lizbeth Mellin-Sanchez, UT RGV Department of Pediatrics and Laura Buckner, M.Ed., L.P.C.,UT Texas Center for Disability Studies
Watch Now / Fact Sheet / Watch Animation

Size Matters: How Missing or Extra Pieces of DNA can affect children
This webinar focuses on 22q11 deletion syndrome, Williams syndrome, and 16p11.2 duplication and deletion syndromes. In addition, person-centered practices are reviewed to allow us to see beyond the labels to who your child is and how they are best supported. Speakers: Dr. Chaya Murali, Baylor College of Medicine and Laura Buckner, M.Ed., L.P.C., UT Texas Center for Disability Studies
Watch Webinar / Fact Sheet / Watch Animation

Autismo y genes
La Dra. Claudia Soler-Alfonso discuta que es el autismo, como puede averiguar si un nino tiene autismo, y si es genetico la causa. Aimee Ortiz-Day discuta las practicas centrado en personas y la vision y trayectoria para una buena vida.
Watch Now

Care of Patients with Down Syndrome
Dr. Carlos Bacino, professor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor College of Medicine, discusses the genetics of Down Syndrome, common findings along with universal recommendations and screenings for children with Down Syndrome.
Watch Now

Recomendaciones universales para niños con síndrome de Down,¿qué hay de nuevo?
Dra. Lizbeth Mellin-Sanchez discuta generalidades del sindrome Down, pautas para el asesormiento inicial y seguimiento de pacientes con syndrome de Down y opciones terapeuticas.
Watch Now

Using Genetics to Make Personal Care Plans for Children with Developmental Disabilities and Autism
Presenter: Dr. Daryl Scott, associate professor of molecular and human genetics, Baylor College of Medicine
Watch Now

The Genetics of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Presenter: Christian Schaaf, M.D., Ph.D.
Objectives:

• Identify individuals with autism spectrum disorder who should undergo genetic testing
• Describe diagnostic tests that would be considered first or second tier in the evaluation of ASD
• Become comfortable explaining the benefit of genetic testing in the context of ASD to families
• Know when to consult a clinical geneticist in the care of individuals with ASD

This teleconference was sponsored by Baylor College of Medicine / Texas Children's Hospital and was possible thanks to funds from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Watch Now

Resource Videos

“The Ins and Outs: One Page Profiles for Healthcare Settings”
Learn about what one-page profiles are, how you can make them, and what you can use them for in healthcare settings. This video was created by The Texas Center for Disability Studies thanks to funding provided by the Newborn Screening program at the Texas Department of State Health Services.