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Enhancing the Lives of People with Down Syndrome

Providing comprehensive, holistic, community-based care and services using a team approach.

About the Center

Teens

Our multi-disciplinary experts have served the health and psychosocial needs of thousands of teens and adults with Down syndrome since our nationally recognized Adult Down Syndrome Center opened in Park Ridge, Illinois, in 1992. Started through a collaboration between the National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS) and Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, the Adult Down Syndrome Center has grown from seeing patients two times per month in shared clinic space to seeing patients five days per week in a 6,500-square foot facility designed specifically with people with DS in mind.

As a comprehensive medical resource for teens and adults with Down syndrome, we provide patients with everything from holistic care and support to education and resources in a compassionate, welcoming environment. We also hold events, participate in community outreach and conduct research.

 

 

Philosophy

Our mission is to enhance the well-being of people with Down syndrome who are 12 and older by using a team approach to provide comprehensive, holistic, community-based health care services.

We believe that:

  • All individuals are worthy and deserving of comprehensive and compassionate health care.
  • Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
  • People with Down syndrome can and should be active participants in their healthcare. 
  • Research, education, and the dissemination of information are essential to improving healthcare and enhancing the health and well-being of people with Down syndrome.
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History of Research and Education at the Center


Brian Chicoine

"Documenting and sharing our knowledge are so important. First, individuals with Down syndrome need the information to support them in promoting their health. Families need it, so they can advocate for on-target care for their loved one with Down syndrome. And health care providers need it as well. When I think about a primary care provider in a small town somewhere who is suddenly called on to care for their first adult with Down syndrome, I appreciate the challenge they face because more than 30 years ago I was that primary care provider in a small town treating his first adult with Down syndrome. We want to make it possible for that physician and health care providers everywhere to access authoritative information and tools they need to provide good care. Changing the landscape for care nationally is within our reach – and research and knowledge sharing are what will allow us to tip the dominoes."

- Brian Chicoine, MD, Medical Director

 
 
I the Ofiice
a Girl

Started in 1992, the Adult Down Syndrome Center was the first and remains the largest clinic for adolescents and adults with Down syndrome. This experience has given the ADSC the opportunity to gain extensive knowledge about caring for individuals with DS. Sharing what we have learned has always been part of the mission. We have done that by presenting at conferences, teaching residents and medical students, writing articles and books, offering educational programming, developing patient education materials for people with Down syndrome, and more.

In 2015, these efforts were formalized and expanded through the launch of the Research and Education Initiative, which allows us to use this experience to lead patient-centered research and education focused on improving quality of life for and with people with DS. Recent and current projects include participating in a clinical trials network, contributing to healthcare guidelines for adults with DS, writing articles and books, and studying the use of videos featuring people with DS for health education.

Timeline


  • 2006
  • 2010
  • 2012
    The Center moved to a new building behind Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. The space featured a home-like atmosphere with improved exam rooms, outdoor space, accommodations for consultations, meetings, and education programs.
  • 2013
    The Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Fitness Center hosted the first annual Fitness Fun for Everyone 5K Run/3K Walk. Each summer patients, families, community members, and Advocate associates participate in the event.
  • 2015
    The Research and Education Initiative was launched. Dr. Chicoine received a fellowship with the Russell Research Institute at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and dedicated weekly time to research.
  • 2015
    Thanks to generous donors, the Center opened a Healing Garden behind the building.
  • 2016
    Occupational therapy, including sensory evaluations, was added to the services offered at the Center. The Center's social skills groups also expanded.
  • 2018
    The Center was selected as one of four Center of Excellence Sites for the Down Syndrome Clinical Trials Network launched by LuMind IDSC Foundation.
  • 2019
    The online Resource Library was developed and launched to provide information on health and wellness for individuals with Down syndrome, families and caregivers, and health care professionals.
  • 2020
    Staff of the Center contributed to numerous efforts related to COVID-19, including the Trisomy 21 Research Society COVID-19 survey, Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group position statements, and multi-organization Q&A on COVID-19 and Down syndrome.
  • 2021
    The At the Center of it all campaign was launched to raise $5.5 million in support of patient care, research, and education at the Adult Down Syndrome Center.
  • 2021

Schedule an Appointment

Call to schedule an appointment.* Our patient forms opens in new window must be filled out prior to an initial visit. You can expect a physical exam to be performed and a complete medical history to be recorded by our experts at your first appointment.

Call 847-318-2303

*We are currently accepting Illinois residents who are 12 and older. Read our out-of-state policy opens in new window if you live elsewhere.

 

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