Resources For You
GenETIC COUNSELING
Find a genetic counselor near you
Genome Medical network of medical genetics providers
COUNSELING AND THERAPY
Find a therapist or counselor near you
Podcast describing Finding a therapy group (adoptee-focused, but wider resources mentioned)
Article on locating an employee assistance program for counseling
Most colleges and universities provide free counseling sessions for enrolled students; search for a "CAP" program on your institution's website
Services referred to as post-adoption counseling are available in different areas to those affected by a recent or past adoption; you may wish to discuss this with people in your area to find a referral to someone who understands your particular situation
DNA Surprise
Facebook support groups for unexpected close DNA matches or misattributed parentage discoveries
The Atlantic article by Sarah Zhang describing support groups available for those who learn of a family surprise via DNA
DNA Surprise paternity story about a 78-year old father devastated by DNA results
DNA Surprise story by Steven (includes links to more stories)
Participate in research if you are involved in or affected by a family secret
NPE Friends Fellowship - non-profit online organization offering emotional, educational, and practical support for NPE/Misattributed Parentage
Extreme Genes podcast episode 249 covering topic of DNA surprises
MySearch4Me.com - anonymous blog describing emotions experienced by someone who discovered a DNA surprise
https://npeandme.com/ - blog describing the experience of surprise NPE discovery from DNA testing
**Real names of most DNA Surprise guest blog posts have been changed for privacy
Adoption
DNA Quest program offering free DNA kits from MyHeritage; for those affected by a past adoption and searching for birth family or a child placed for adoption
DNAadoption.com resource website for using DNA in the search for birth family and children placed for adoption
SearchAngels.org nonprofit search group providing support, advice, and assistance in the search for birth family/adoptees
https://dearadoption.com/resources/ site with a growing list of blogs written by adoptees
http://www.adopteeson.com/listen/chooseatherapist link to a podcast with tips on how to find and select an adoption-competent counselor or therapist
http://traffic.libsyn.com/adopteeson/AO_HS_Finding_a_Therapy_Group.mp3?dest-id=388382 link to a podcast with tips on how to find an adoptee therapy group
http://www.adopteeson.com/resources/ link to additional resources gathered by producers of the "AdopteesOn" podcast series
AdopteesConnect.com -- nationwide network of local support groups for adult adoptees
Website and blog of social worker and therapist Barbara Freedgood offering support to adoptive parents for understanding the needs of child and adult adoptees
donor conception
International Society of Genetic Genealogy’s wiki page with information on DNA testing for the donor conceived
DonorChildren.com site with support and information for the donor conceived, whether you just found out or have always known
Donor Conception Network site started by a UK-based membership group and charity that has been supporting individuals affected by donor conception for over two decades; booklets available for purchase to guide sharing with your child about their donor conception
We Are Donor Conceived: a resource site for the donor conceived population, including links to videos, stories, and more.
Brianne’s interview with Mendelspod that discusses the end of donor anonymity and the shifting power to the individual (including the donor conceived) to know their genetic origins
Blog post on telling an adult child they were donor conceived
Ancestry
International Society of Genetic Genealogy information and resources
Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh summer course information
Health
High ROH Infosheet for GEDmatch "Are your parents related?" tool
Free webinar on YouTube with information about at-home DNA testing for ancestry and health
Genetics Home Reference with up-to-date information on genetics, health, and medical conditions
DNA education/learning
YouTube video by Brianne with intro to at-home DNA testing (both ancestry and health)
DNA Detectives website and Facebook group