Online courses are a great way to learn about topics you want to understand better at a pace that fits your life. You might have all the books you need, but a structured lesson plan that can go with you wherever you are is sometimes better than a full bookshelf.

With excitement, I’m sharing information about the first course based on my book co-authored with Shannon Combs-Bennett, The DNA Guide for Adoptees. The great news is that “adoptee” is in the title, but the course covers any search for biological family - whether the seeker is an adoptee, donor-conceived person, or NPE (Not Parent Expected), or a person involved in the discovery (a genealogist, search angel, or searching family).

The course is located at http://blog.genealogicalstudies.com/2020/09/dna-special-circumstances-adoptees-unknown-parentage/ and is one of the newest courses offered by The National Institute for Genealogical Studies. You can purchase the course as a stand-alone or part of a package. Search through the courses tab, and you’ll find it alphabetically listed under “DNA.”

Something unique that you won’t find in other courses on this topic is the focus on the emotional preparation and ethics to consider. We encourage you to spend extra time thinking and preparing, because the DNA test is only one small part of a bigger journey.

Find your copy of The DNA Guide for Adoptees on online retailers (in both paperback and ebook versions here and here).

Book contents have been broken down and simplified for easier learning. The six modules you’ll study are:

• Module 1: Getting Started, Finding Support, & more

• Module 2: Common Ancestors & Living Relatives

• Module 3: Genetic Genealogy

• Module 4: Organizing Results

• Module 5: DNA & Health Information

• Module 6: Special Issues - Adoptive Parents & Minor Children and General Resources

The course does not include videos or audio recordings, but that is in the plans! Sign up for the Watershed DNA mailing list to be notified when new resources and courses are available.

Happy learning, and may your search be a good and healing one!

Brianne, Founder of Watershed DNA