Genetics, Reproductive, Urology, Psychology/Psychiatry and Endocrinology (GRUPE) Program

The Cohen Children’s Genetics, Reproductive, Urology, Psychology/Psychiatry and Endocrinology (GRUPE) Program provides care for children with sexual development differences and disorders. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists in endocrinology, genetics, gynecology, urology, psychiatry and surgical services has decades of experience and understands the sensitive nature of such conditions. That means your child’s care is as compassionate as it is effective.

As part of Cohen Children’s Medical Center Northwell Health Physician Partners, our team operates proudly within the framework of one of the largest health systems in the country. Cohen Children’s Medical Center is part of the Disorders of Sex Development Translational Research Network (DSD-TRN), a National Institutes of Health-supported group of medical centers working to educate families about DSD and provide both sensible and sensitive care for patients with such diagnoses.

Our physicians have led the way in advocating for individualized treatment with input from a variety of highly experienced clinicians. This includes soliciting opinions from mental health professionals and ethicists to validate the plan of care and ensure we adhere to established practice guidelines. The GRUPE Program, along with a licensed social worker, addresses the distinctive medical, psychological and social needs of patients and their families in a nurturing environment.

Our team works closely with families to provide exceptional clinical care that respects the dignity and individuality of our patients. We serve local, national and international families to provide:

• Coordination of care (referrals, appointments, tests, treatment) in a single, convenient setting
• Education and empowerment of patients and families to receive the best holistic care possible with optimal short- and long-term outcomes
• Initial diagnosis and assessment
• Personalized medical, psychosocial and/or surgical treatment
• Referral to family support groups

Treatment options will vary based on each patient’s specific diagnosis. Treatment and services may include:

• Diagnostic evaluation (including examination), specialized hormone blood tests, detailed chromosome analysis and imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI)
• Family-oriented discussion of treatment options
• Genetic counseling
• Medical management, including hormone treatment
• Psychosocial support throughout the treatment period
• Surgical procedures when necessary

• 5-alpha reductase deficiency
• Androgen insensitivity (complete or partial, CAIS or PAIS)
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia and related steroidogenic disorders
• Disorders resulting from abnormal number or appearance of X and Y sex chromosomes, including Klinefelter syndrome
• DSD associated with other chromosomal anomalies
• Gonadal dysgenesis (complete or partial)
• Malformation of the vagina, cervix and uterus
• Malformation of the penis, scrotum and testicles