GRI Clinic

About the GRI Clinic

At the GRI Clinic, we care for children who have been diagnosed with any GRI related disorder including those related to the GRIN, GRIA, GRID and GRIK genes. GRI disorders are part of a larger family of genetic diseases related to ionotropic glutamate receptors, which are receptors in the brain that are important for memory, learning and other functions. Due to changes in genes and chromosomes, these conditions affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles.

Our multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive care to treat GRI disorders in children and adults. Our team includes neurologists, geneticists and genetic counselors, rehabilitation, physical, occupational and speech therapists, developmental pediatricians and neuropsychologists. We support children and their families with medical care, counseling and education to help provide the best possible quality of life for your family.

Why choose us for GRI disorder care?

We created the first clinic for GRI disorders in the United States. Our team has extensive experience using the latest technologies for diagnosing and treating these complex conditions. Our specialists bring the most advanced training, unmatched expertise and a compassionate approach to care for your child and family.

We offer your child the opportunity to participate in research and clinical trials that help improve diagnoses and outcomes for kids with GRI disorders. Your child may receive the latest tests and treatments that aren’t widely available.

Who we treat at the GRI Clinic

In our clinic, we diagnose and provide individualized care to children with neurogenetic disorders specific to each syndrome. Our specialists treat children with many GRI conditions, including:

• GRIN: Caused by a change in one of four GRIN genes (GRIN1, GRIN2A, GRIN2B and GRIN2D)
• GRIA: Caused by a change in one of four GRIA genes (GRIA1, GRIA2, GRIA3 and GRIA4)
• GRIK: Caused by a change in one of five GRIK genes (GRIK1, GRIK2, GRIK3, GRIK4 and GRIK5)
• GRID: Caused by a change in one of two GRID genes (GRID1 and GRID2)

Your visit to the GRI Clinic

Before your visit, our team reviews your child’s health records from neurology, developmental pediatrics and imaging such as CT scans or MRIs. When you and your child arrive, you’ll first meet with a medical provider to review your child's medical history and gather other details.

Our entire team meets with you and your child to do a physical exam, discuss more details and answer any questions your family has. Based on the medical history and physical exam, we provide an individualized care plan that may include more testing or a treatment plan.

Based on your child’s diagnosis, our specialists will direct your family to the correct experts to ensure your child gets the exact care for their unique needs.

Most treatments for GRI help relieve a child's symptoms. This can include:

• Physical therapy
• Anti-seizure medications, if necessary
• Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy
• Mood and behavioral medication

What happens after a visit to the GRI Clinic?

After your visit:

• Our providers will send you and your child’s primary care provider a letter with detailed recommendations for additional tests and treatment.
• Our genetic counselors will work with you and your child’s provider to complete the recommendations and help you get insurance approval, if required, for any additional genetic testing.
• Our genetic counselors will discuss details of the condition with you, including genetic information and the risk for future pregnancies. We can also help identify other family members who may be at risk and could benefit from testing.
• We provide support for your family and help you find available resources in your community.