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For people with Down syndrome, family members, caregivers and professionals.
Duration: 8 ms, Number of Results: 121
This visual handout explains what we need to do to take care of our bodies.
A parent of an individual with Down syndrome asked a question about stereotypies and self-stimulatory behavior. The parent shared that the individual made noises while watching videos on their iPad an
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
We received a question from a family member of an individual with Down syndrome who is anxious and fearful of bad weather, particularly thunderstorms. Thunder, lightning, strong winds, heavy rain, hai
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
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
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
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 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
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.
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
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
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
What are probiotics? Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms (e.g., bacteria). Foods with labels that say "live and active cultures" contain probiotics.
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
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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