Resources | Adult Down Syndrome Center

Story About How to Change My Pad

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L

This visual explains how to change a pad when a woman has her period.

Hearing Loss in Adults with Down Syndrome

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD - Medical Director, Adult Down Syndrome Center

Overview of hearing loss Hearing involves several steps as the sound passes from the ear to the brain. The ear is divided into three parts: the outer, middle, and inner ear. Hearing impairment, which

Cholesteatomas

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD - Medical Director, Adult Down Syndrome Center

What are cholesteatomas? A cholesteatoma is a collection of skin cells that become more fibrous and build up in the middle ear (where the small bones are that are part of our hearing mechani

Staff Turnover

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD - Medical Director, Adult Down Syndrome Center

For people living in a group home or participating in day programs, the staff members often become like family. This is especially true if the person does not have other family involved in his life bu

Personal Hygiene Chart

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L - Occupational Therapist, Adult Down Syndrome Center

The Personal Hygiene Chart linked below can help us keep track of when we complete hygiene tasks such as taking a shower, brushing our teeth, and caring for our nails. Not all hygien

Eating Refusal

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD - Medical Director, Adult Down Syndrome Center

We received the following question: I have a son with Down syndrome. He had testicular cancer in his late 20s. Since then, he seems to have developed an eating disorder. He always feels he i

Information Forms to Share with Hospitals and Clinics

Author: Adult Down Syndrome Center - Resources

Visiting a hospital or clinic can be a stressful or frightening experience for some individuals with Down syndrome. The stress and fear can be increased if the healthcare providers are unfami

Perspectives on Pain in Down Syndrome

Author: Shaikh et al. - Medicinal Research Reviews (2023)

Abstract Down syndrome (DS) or trisomy 21 is a genetic condition often accompanied by chronic pain caused by congenital abnormalities and/or conditions, such as osteoarthritis, recurrent infections, a

Down Syndrome for the Otolaryngologist: A Review

Author: Zalzal & Lawlor - JAMA Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (2023)

Abstract Importance: There are many features of Down syndrome that prompt referral to an otolaryngologist. As the lifetime prevalence and life expectancy of individuals with Down syndrome in

Behavior Changes in Individuals with Down Syndrome Webinar Recording (2/23/2023)

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD, Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L, and Abby Rowley, LCSW - Adult Down Syndrome Center

The video below is a recording of a webinar presented by Brian Chicoine, MD, Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L, and Abby Rowley, LCSW, on February 23, 2023. In this webinar, the presenters define, iden

Acrocyanosis

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD - Medical Director, Adult Down Syndrome Center

What is acrocyanosis? Acrocyanosis is the bluish discoloration of the extremities (usually the hands and/or feet) due to decreased oxygen being delivered to those areas. The small blood vessels in the

Supporting Healthy Sexuality for Individuals with Down Syndrome Webinar Recording (11/16/2022)

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L - Occupational Therapist, Adult Down Syndrome Center

This is a recording of a webinar presented by Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L of the Adult Down Syndrome Center in Park Ridge, IL. We know that having healthy relationships benefits the physical, mental, and

Planet Puberty

Author: Family Planning NSW - Digital Resource (Australia)

Planet Puberty is a resource designed to guide parents of individuals with intellectual disabilities through their child's puberty journey. Topics include the body, feeling good, relationships

Long COVID in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD - Medical Director, Adult Down Syndrome Center

A complication of having COVID-19 infection is a condition called long COVID (it has also been called long-haul COVID, chronic COVID, post-COVID conditions, and others). The National Task Group on Int

Supporting Healthy Sexuality for Your Loved One with Down Syndrome Webinar Recording (6/15/2022)

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L - North Carolina Down Syndrome Virtual Speaker Series

On June 15, 2022, the North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance hosted a webinar called "Supporting Healthy Sexuality for Your Loved One with Down Syndrome" presented by Katie Frank, PhD

Recommendations for Treatment of Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Infection

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD, Erin Dominiak, MD, and Hannah Graham, MD - Adult Down Syndrome Center

We have only seen or heard of a few cases of severe COVID-19 infection in our patients with Down syndrome who have received COVID-19 vaccines. Our experience has been consistent with the data

Evaluation of Upper Airway Stimulation for Adolescents with Down Syndrome and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Author: Yu et al. (2022) - JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery

Abstract Importance : Patients with Down syndrome have a high incidence of persistent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and limited treatment options. Upper airway hypoglossal stimulation has be