The genetic counselor may also help determine whether individuals carry the defective ALSM1 gene before the individuals conceive a child. Some of the tests the genetic counselors perform include chorionic villus sampling (CVS), preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and amniocentesis. With PGD, the embryos are tested for the ALSM1 gene and only the embryos that are not affected may be chosen for implantation via in vitro fertilization. Treatment
There is no cure for Alström syndrome; however, there are treatment aims to reduce the symptoms and prevent further complications. Some of these treatment aims include:
Corrective lenses: tinted lenses that help with the sensitivity from bright lights. The patients may have to adapt to reading in Braille, use adaptive equipment, mobility aids and adaptive computing skills. Education: patients with Alström syndrome who have  intellectual disabilities must have access to education. They must be able to receive free and appropriate education. Some Alström syndrome patients are educated in normal classrooms. Other patients have to take special education classes or attend to specialized schools that are prepared to teach children with disabilities. Staff members from schools have to consult with patients parents or caregivers in order to design an education plan based on the childs needs. In addition, the school may document the progress of the child in order to confirm that the childs needs are being met. Hearing aids: the battery-operated devices are available in three styles: behind the ear, in the ear and inside the ear canal. Behind the ear aims for mild-to-profound hearing loss.
In the ear aims for mild to severe hearing loss. Lastly, the canal device is aimed for mild to moderately severe hearing loss. Patients that have severe hearing loss may benefit from a cochlear implant. Diet: an appropriate and healthy diet is necessary for individuals with Alström syndrome because it could potentially decreases chances of obesity or diabetes. Occupational therapy: the therapist helps the child learn skills to help him or her perform basic daily tasks like eating, getting dressed and communicating with others. Physical Activity: exercising reduces chances of being obese and helping control blood sugar levels. Dialysis: helps restore filtering function. With hemodialysis, a patients blood circulates into an external filter and clean. The filtered blood is then returned into the body. With peritoneal dialysis, fluid containing dextrose is introduced into the abdomen by a tube. The solution then absorbs the wastes into the body and is then removed. Transplantation: patients that endure a kidney failure may undergo a kidney transplantation. Surgery: if the patient endures severe scoliosis or kyphosis, surgery may be required. Medication
Antibiotics: patients with lung problems will be prescribed antibiotics because they are more prone to infections like bronchitis. Oral diabetes medications: are taken by mouth to treat diabetes. Can be taken combined into a single pill, which may be more effective and convenient for people with diabetes. It is usually taken once or twice daily before meals. Some of these medications includes:
Meglitinides (repaglinide and nateglinide): taken to stimulate the cells found in the pancreas to release insulin.