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Duration: 25 ms, Number of Results: 43

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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Author: Allison Schnitzler, MD and Brian Chicoine, MD - Family Medicine, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Key Points Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is also known as heartburn or reflux. GERD is common in people with Down syndrome (DS). There are a variety of things that can be done at home to redu

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Celiac Disease

Author: Robert Campbell, DO and Brian Chicoine, MD - Family Medicine, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Key Points Celiac disease is caused by a sensitivity to gluten. It is more common in people with Down syndrome. It can be diagnosed through an assessment including a history, physical, blood work, and

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Visual Schedule Apps

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

Visual schedules help an individual know what to expect. The schedule can be a list of activities for the entire day, only the morning or evening routine, or even the chores that need to be done. This

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Resources on Developing Greater Independence

Author: Adult Down Syndrome Center - Resource List

Becoming more independent is a goal for many adolescents and adults with Down syndrome. This goal may vary significantly from person to person. It can range from wanting to become more independent wit

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Contingency Maps

Author: Abby Rowley, LCSW - Clinical Therapist, Adult Down Syndrome Center

Contingency maps can help an individual visualize their behavioral choices and the outcomes/consequences of their behaviors. They can help make the problem-solving process more concrete. The individua

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Regression & Down Syndrome

Author: National Down Syndrome Society - Website

The Regression & Down Syndrome page on the National Down Syndrome Society's website has information about Down syndrome regression disorder including symptoms, treatment, and resources

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Friendship Resources

Author: Adult Down Syndrome Center - Resource List

Our Resource Library has several resources on developing and maintaining healthy friendships for individuals with Down syndrome and their families and caregivers. Having meaningful relationships can p

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Regression in Persons with Down Syndrome

Author: Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group - USA - Current Consensus Update for Families

Regression in Persons with Down Syndrome: Current Consensus Update for Families   In January 2023, the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group - USA (DSMIG-USA) shared a consensus update for fam

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Managing Conflict

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

Being able to manage conflict effectively is an important skill for having healthy relationships. The handouts pictured and linked below are from our social skills groups for individuals with Down syn

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Decline in Skills and Regression in Adolescents and Adults with Down Syndrome Webinar Recording (8/31/2022)

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

The video below is a recording of a webinar presented by Brian Chicoine, MD of the Adult Down Syndrome Center. Individuals with Down syndrome may experience decline in skills for many reasons

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Constipation in Down Syndrome

Author: Samantha Ghanayem-Bouikidis, MD and Brian Chicoine, MD - Family Medicine, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Constipation is a common problem in people with Down syndrome as well as the general population. Studies show that chronic constipation affects between 2 and 27% of the general population. It is thoug

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Using First/Then Boards

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

We like to use visual supports to set or manage expectations. One type of visual support that can be helpful is a first/then board. When using a visual support, there can be words, pictures, or a comb

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Assessment and Diagnosis of Down Syndrome Regression Disorder: International Expert Consensus

Author: Santoro et al. (2022) - Frontiers in Neurology

Abstract Objective:  To develop standardization for nomenclature, diagnostic work up and diagnostic criteria for cases of neurocognitive regression in Down syndrome. Background:  The

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Electroconvulsive Therapy, Catatonia, and Regression in People with Down Syndrome

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

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment that involves sedating an individual with anesthesia and then inducing a seizure with a short electrical stimulation of the brain (more information can b

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Individualized Visual Schedules

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

Visuals tend to be most effective when they are individualized. What works for one person may be different than what works for another person. Schedules are one example of a type of visual that may va

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Urinary Retention

Author: Agni Vlahos, MD and Brian Chicoine, MD - Family Medicine

The bladder is an organ composed of layers of smooth muscle that sits in the pelvis. The function of the bladder is to collect urine that is made in the kidneys. When the bladder reaches its 

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Evidence of Neuroinflammation and Immunotherapy Responsiveness in Individuals with Down Syndrome Regression Disorder

Author: Santoro et al. (2022) - Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Abstract Background:  Down syndrome regression disorder is a symptom cluster consisting of neuropsychiatric regression without cause. This study evaluated the incidence of neurodiagnostic abn

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Using Games in Social Skills Groups

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

We have found that incorporating games into our social skills groups can help convey important messages as well as help participants practice appropriate social skills in a non-threa

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a health issue in the intestines (bowels). It is not clear how common it is in people with Down syndrome (DS).  However, we suspect that IBS is more common i

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Testicular Cancer

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

While many solid tumor cancers are  less  common in people with Down syndrome compared to people without Down syndrome, testicular cancer is one type of solid tumor cancer that is&am

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Swallowing Problems (Dysphagia)

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

Swallowing problems (dysphagia) are common in people with Down syndrome (DS). In our large cohort study that reviewed health data from people cared for within Advocate Health, swallowing problems were

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Kidney Function in People with Down Syndrome

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

We frequently see that the lab values of kidney function of people with Down syndrome (DS) we evaluate at our Center are mildly abnormal. The kidney function is slightly decreased compared to what is

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Possible Causes of Regression in People with Down Syndrome during the COVID-19 Pandemic

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

We received a question about a man with Down syndrome in his late 30s. His family shared that he developed catatonia, was hearing people speaking in his head, and lost a significant amount of weight.

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Using "I" Statements

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

We discuss "I" statements in our social skills groups for individuals with Down syndrome. "I" statements are a way to share how we feel in a clear, calm, and respec

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Please note: The information on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for a medical, psychiatric, mental health, or behavioral evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment plan by a qualified professional. We recommend you review the educational material with your health providers regarding the specifics of your health care needs.

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