Resources | Adult Down Syndrome Center

Story About Grooming/Hygiene for Boys

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L

This visual handout explains what we need to do to take care of our bodies.

Advancements in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Webinar Recording (11/8/2021)

Author: Michael Layland, MD - Otolaryngologist

The video below is a recording of a webinar presented by Dr. Michael Layland on November 8, 2021. Dr. Layland is an otolaryngologist at the Ear Nose & Throat Center and Advocate Lutheran Gener

Create a Bedtime/Sleep Routine Visual

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L

This document includes a template and images that individuals with Down syndrome and their families can use to create a bedtime routine visual.

Testicular Cancer

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

Key Points Testicular cancer is more common in men with Down syndrome compared to men without Down syndrome. Health care providers can check for testicular cancer during an annual physical exam. Testi

Menstrual Hygiene

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L and Hannah Graham, MD - Adult Down Syndrome Center

One topic that comes up frequently at the Adult Down Syndrome Center is menstrual hygiene. Women with Down syndrome and their caregivers often ask us about strategies to make periods easier or even to

Adaptive Clothing

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

Dressing can be difficult for some individuals with Down syndrome, in part because bilateral coordination and dexterity skills can be challenging for many individuals with Down syndrome. I ha

Night Terrors in People with Down Syndrome

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD - "Ask Dr. Chicoine" LuMind IDSC Foundation

Night terrors (or sleep terrors) are described as a sudden arousal from sleep associated with sitting up in bed, intense fear, and a piercing scream. Symptoms include increased heart rate, increased r

Sleep Disorders in Adults with Down Syndrome

Author: Gimenez, Altuna, Blessing, Osorio, & Fortea - Journal of Clinical Medicine (2021)

Abstract Sleep disorders, despite being very frequent in adults with Down syndrome (DS), are often overlooked due to a lack of awareness by families and physicians and the absence of specific clinical

Bathing and Showering Tips

Author: Natalie Rivera, OTS and Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L - Occupational therapy student and occupational therapist

Bathing and showering may be difficult for some individuals with Down syndrome for many reasons. Below are a variety of adaptive strategies and equipment to promote safety and independence with this s

Tips for Washing and Rinsing Hair in the Shower

Author: Adult Down Syndrome Center

Some families have shared with us that washing and rinsing hair can be a challenging task for their loved ones with Down syndrome. We have compiled a list of suggestions from families for mak

Pneumonia and Respiratory Infections in Down Syndrome: A Scoping Review of the Literature

Author: Santoro et al. - American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A (2020)

Abstract Pneumonia and respiratory infections impact infants and children with Down syndrome; pneumonia is a leading cause of mortality in adults with Down syndrome. We aimed to review the literature

Addressing Challenges with Falling or Staying Asleep

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

We frequently receive questions about sleep. Individuals with Down syndrome and/or their families report that they have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. In this article, we will share stra

Sleep in Adolescents and Adults with Down Syndrome Webinar (8/4/2020)

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD and Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L - Webinar

The video below is a recording of a webinar presented by Brian Chicoine, MD and Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L on August 4, 2020. Dr. Chicoine is the co-founder and medical director of the Adult Down Syndrom

Lotion Options

Author: Adult Down Syndrome Center

Some people do not like the feeling of lotion or creams. This handout shows examples of lotions that can be used on wet skin and lotions that can be sprayed on skin.

Cancer Screening in Adults with Down Syndrome: A Proposal

Author: Rethore et al. - European Journal of Medical Genetics (2019)

Abstract Background : The specific distribution of cancers in Down syndrome (DS) calls into question the validity of screening policies for cancer surveillance as implemented for the general populatio

Ways to Get Good Sleep

Author: Adult Down Syndrome Center

This visual shares things you can do to promote good sleep habits.

Benefits and Harms of Mammography Screening for Women with Down Syndrome

Author: Alagoz et al. - Journal of General Internal Medicine (2019)

Abstract Background: Women with Down syndrome have a lower breast cancer risk and significantly lower life expectancies than women without Down syndrome. Therefore, it is not clear whether m