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Optional Print Course Material: DNA: Special Circumstances - Adoptees and Unknown Parentage
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
NOTE: There is a lot of interest in DNA and Forensic topics. Please read carefully before registering to take one of these courses. The DNA and Forensic courses offered by The International Institute of Genealogical Studies provide instruction on DNA methods as used in genealogical research. We recommend that students without the basic knowledge of genealogy methods and genealogical research should register in the Methodology - Part 1: Getting Started and Methodology Part 2 - Organizing and Skill-Building courses prior to registering for this course.
This course explores how to use genealogy and genetics to uncover genealogical roots, connect with biological family, and better understand medical history. The emphasis is on adoptees and those helping adoptees with their DNA and genealogy.
This course is adapted from the book The DNA Guide for Adoptees: How to use genealogy and genetics to uncover your roots, connect with your biological family, and better understand your medical history.
Course Length: 7 weeksMODULE 1
DNA GUIDE FOR ADOPTEES
Why DNA testing & why now?
Why this course?
Understanding records related to adoptions
Rights to access identifying versus non-identifying information
State-by-state differences
Records search for international adoptions
People & places to go for information
Confidential intermediary
Registries
DNA testing
The combination approach
Finding support
Dealing with frustration during the search
Australia
Canada
United Kingdom
MODULE 2
COMMON ANCESTORS & LIVING RELATIVES
Relying on other people’s family trees
People-searching websites
Learning from others
How family tree building starts
Vital records
Non-vital records
Brick wall research
Fixing common family tree mistakes
Learning about genealogy & DNA
DNA: The game-changer for adoption-related searches
Identifying your goals for DNA testing
Raw data: what it is & why it matters to a search for family
Preparing for reactions & challenges
MODULE 3
GENETIC GENEALOGY
Genetic Genealogy & DNA Basics
Genetic vs. genealogical trees
What is autosomal DNA?
Companies providing genealogical DNA testing
Privacy & at-home DNA testing
Understanding your autosomal DNA results
Determining relatedness of a mystery person after autosomal DNA testing
Using a chromosome browser
What is X chromosome testing?
Y & Mitochondrial DNA
Y DNA
Mitochondrial DNA
Your ethnicity pie chart
Reference populations
Why ethnicity estimates change over time
Affording & ordering a DNA test
What to do after the testing is done
MODULE 4
ORGANIZING RESULTS
Organizing your DNA results
The DNA family member match list
Tracking your matches
Tracking DNA segments
Clustering
Phasing
Triangulation
Surname studies
Finding success with advanced tools
Reaching out to DNA matches
“Are your parents related?” & ROH
High ROH: A special concern for some adoptees
Adjusting to the high ROH discovery
MODULE 5
DNA & HEALTH INFORMATION
DNA & your health
Preparing for medical DNA testing
Different tests for different purposes
Medical-grade DNA testing
Carrier screening
Diagnostic genetic testing
Pharmacogenomic testing
Proactive gene panel tests
Exome & genome testing
At-home DNA tests for health reasons
How to tell if an online DNA test is legitimate
Health + Ancestry reports
Using raw data files for health information
Promethease & other third-party health tools
Genetic tests for nutrition & exercise
Working with a Certified Genetic Counselor
Concerns about genetic discrimination
Accessing family health history
MODULE 6
SPECIAL ISSUES
Issues for Adoptive Parents & Minors
When an adopted child asks about DNA testing
Special consideration about family matching databases
Obtaining health information for your child
Adopted children with health concerns
Seeking out information for hidden health risks
Using raw data from an at-home DNA test
Bringing it all together
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