KIND: Genetics

Time limit: 360 days

Explore the genetic underpinnings of neurodevelopmental disorders, from foundational principles and historical context to advanced clinical applications. This comprehensive course covers psychosocial and ethical considerations, genetic counseling, family history analysis, diagnostic testing, and treatment options. Gain insights into specific conditions such as Angelman Syndrome, Fragile X, and Down Syndrome, and stay informed on the latest advances in pharmacogenomics and epigenetics.

The Genetics Chapter spans 35 topics across five levels of instruction. Levels 1 and 2 provide foundational knowledge beneficial for medical professionals and allied professionals, including educators, social workers, therapists, and psychologists.

Levels 3 to 5 shift to a more clinical focus, offering advanced insights geared toward medical doctors and sub-specialists.

The table below outlines the complete course content.

Chapter Editor

Julie Cohen, ScM, CGC is the Director of Genetic Counseling Services at Kennedy Krieger Institute and an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is a licensed, certified genetic counselor with more than 14 years’ experience specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders, neurogenetics, and clinical genomics. In her clinical practice at Kennedy Krieger, Ms. Cohen provides genetic counseling and evaluations for pediatric and adult patients with NDDs and a wide range of rare neurogenetic diseases. Her research focuses on investigating the genetic basis of cerebral palsy and other NDDs, as well as psychological aspects of living with rare and undiagnosed genetic conditions. Ms. Cohen is a dedicated educator and member of the Executive Committee of her alma mater, the JHU/NIH Genetic Counseling Training Program. In addition to training future genetic counselors, she is passionate about educating and empowering healthcare providers to incorporate genetics into their practice.

Content, Featured Experts, and Learner Groups

Level	Neurodevelopmental Topic Content	Featured Expert	Learner Group(s)
Level 1	1.1 Intro to Genetics of Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Why Etiology Matters	Jacqueline Harris, MD, MS	Allied professionals Medical Professionals Sub-Specialist Professionals
	1.2 Fundamentals of Genetics 1	Kelsey Guthrie, MGC, CGC
	1.3 Fundamentals of Genetics 2	Kelsey Guthrie, MGC, CGC
	1.4 Historical Perspective	Ada Hamosh, MD, MPH
Level 2	2.1 Psychosocial considerations and impact	Rebecca McClellan, MGC, CGC	Allied professionals Medical Professionals Sub-Specialist Professionals
	2.2 Ethical Considerations	Rebecca McClellan, MGC, CGC
	2.3 Legal Issues and Genetic Discrimination	Rebecca McClellan, MGC, CGC
	2.4 Resources for Patients and Families	Amy Patterson, MS, CGC
	2.5 Genetic Counseling	Ben Akman, SCM, CGC
Level 3	3.1 Family History and Pedigree 1	Kelsey Guthrie, MGC, CGC	Medical Professionals Sub-Specialist Professionals
	3.2 Family History and Pedigree 2	Kelsey Guthrie, MGC, CGC
	3.3 Dysmorphology and Physical Exam 1	Mahim Jain, MD PhD
	3.4 Dysmorphology and Physical Exam 2	Mahim Jain, MD PhD
	3.5 Overview of Genetic Tests	Stephanie Riley, ScM, CGC
	3.6 Exome and Genome Sequencing	Jane Juusola, PhD, FACMG
	3.7 Variant Classification	Jane Juusola, PhD, FACMG
	3.8 Understanding a Genetic Test Report	Jane Juusola, PhD, FACMG
Level 4	4.1 Pre-Test Counseling and Consent	Alyssa Blesson, MGC, CGC	Medical Professionals Sub-Specialist Professionals
	4.2 Delivering Genetic Test Results and Diagnoses	Alyssa Blesson, MGC, CGC
	4.3 Clinician Resources for Diagnosis and Management	Ada Hamosh, MD, MPH
	4.4 Metabolic Disorders	Hilary Vernon, MD, PhD
	4.5 Treatment of Genetic Disorders 1	Hilary Vernon, MD, PhD
	4.6 Treatment of Genetic Disorders 2	Hilary Vernon, MD, PhD
	4.7 Family Planning and Reproductive Options	Cathleen Lawson, MS, CGC
	4.8 Navigating Insurance Coverage for Genetic Tests	Chelsea Flanigan, MS CGC
Level 5	5.1 Pharmacogenomics and PGx testing	Jim Stevenson, PharmD, MS, BCPP	Medical Professionals Sub-Specialist Professionals
	5.2 Principles of Epigenetics	Jacqueline Britton, MGC, CGC
	5.3 Mendelian Disorders of the Epigenetic Machinery	Jacqueline Harris, MD, MS
	5.4 Angelman Syndrome	Wilfreda LIndsey, MD, MS
	5.5 Synaptic Disorders	Constance Smith-Hicks, MD PhD
	5.6 Fragile X/FMR1 Disorders	Wilfreda Lindsey, MD, MS
	5.7 Rett Syndrome	Constance Smith-Hicks, MD, PhD
	5.8 Epilepsy Genetics	Christa Habela, MD, PhD
	5.9 Tuberous Sclerosis Complex	Ryan Gill, MD
	5.10 Down Syndrome	Clay Smith, MD

What is the KIND Curriculum?

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Full course description

Content, Featured Experts, and Learner Groups

What is the KIND Curriculum?