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For people with Down syndrome, family members, caregivers and professionals.
Duration: 11 ms, Number of Results: 162
A common and appropriate question is: Can a person be weaned off a psychotropic medication? A psychotropic medication is a medication prescribed to treat a psychological problem such as depression or
Abstract Findings from a recent study of the largest documented cohort of individuals with Down syndrome (DS) in the United States described prevalence of common disease conditions and strongly sugges
This social story explains what public means using pictures.
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
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
We were sent a question about selective mutism and loss of speech. Selective mutism is defined as an anxiety condition in which a person with normal verbal skills is unable to speak in particular sett
What do we like about our friends? As this handout shows, good friends usually use nice words, do kind things, listen, tell the truth, have boundaries, apologize, take turns, and say how they feel.
The video below is a recording of a webinar called "Promoting Mental Health in Adolescents & Adults with Down Syndrome" presented by Brian Chicoine, MD on September 28, 2021.
Nearly all of us have experienced anxiety during our lives. We may feel anxious about a school exam, a new job, a dentist appointment, a disagreement with a friend, or other similar situations. This i
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.
Learn why conversation skills are important in romantic relationships.
Depression is a mental health condition that is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and/or a decreased interest in things that an individual previously enjoyed. Depression is more common i
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
We go over "group rules" at the beginning of every in-person and virtual group for individuals with Down syndrome that we facilitate at the Adult Down Syndrome Center. We th
This visual talks about what rejection is, gives examples of rejection, and provides ways to handle rejection.
This handout discusses when and how to end romantic relationships.
The link below takes you to a closed Facebook page for families, caregivers, and professionals who support individuals with Down syndrome who have experienced or are experiencing regression. If you cl
This handout explains compromise and why it is important for healthy relationships.
How can I find a therapist, psychiatrist, or other mental health provider with experience working with individuals with Down syndrome? Here are a few suggestions. Contact a Down syndrome cli
The PDF linked below is a copy of the second edition of Dr. McGuire and Dr. Chicoine's book originally published by Woodbine House Publishing in 2021. After Woodbine closed in 2022, the publis
The video below is a recording of a webinar presented by Brian Chicoine, MD and Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L on March 28, 2021 as part of the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress 37th Annual Virtual Confer
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
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
Learn about the "rules" for sharing touch and affection in romantic relationships in this visual handout.
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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