Section Heading Background Image

Search our Resources

For people with Down syndrome, family members, caregivers and professionals.

Home Resources

Duration: 7 ms, Number of Results: 35

Showing 1 - 24 of 35
1 2 Next Last Page 1 of 2
item name

Pneumonia in People with Down Syndrome

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

Key Points Lungs are vital organs in the movement of oxygen into the body and the removal of carbon dioxide. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Pneumonia is more common in people with Down syndro

item name

Getting Ear Wax Removed

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

This Getting Ear Wax Removed Visual    explains what happens when we get our ears cleaned out. This visual can help individuals with Down syndrome know what to expect when g

item name

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

item name

Getting an Ultrasound Visual

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

This Getting an Ultrasound Visual    explains what happens when we get an ultrasound. This visual can help individuals with Down syndrome know what to expect when going for

item name

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

item name

Incidence and Clinical Outcomes of Pneumonia in Persons with Down Syndrome in the United States

Author: Janoff et al. - Vaccine (2023)

Abstract Background:  Persons with Down syndrome (DS) experience an increased risk of pneumonia. We determined the incidence and outcomes of pneumonia and relationship to underlying comorbidi

item name

Visuals for Medical Appointments

Author: Adult Down Syndrome Center - Resource List

Visuals can help individuals with Down syndrome prepare for and know what to expect at medical appointments. Our Resource Library has several examples.    Visits to the Doctor &n

item name

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

item name

Getting an X-Ray Visual

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

This Getting an X-Ray visual  explains what happens when we get an x-ray. This visual can help individuals with Down syndrome know what to expect when going for an x-ray.  A

item name

Getting an EEG Visual

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

This Getting an EEG visual  explains what happens when we have an electroencephalogram (EEG) done. It can help individuals with Down syndrome know what to expect when going for an EEG. Additi

item name

Getting My Blood Drawn Visual

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

This Getting My Blood Drawn visual  explains what happens when we have a blood test done.    This visual can help individuals with Down syndrome know what to expect when goi

item name

Diagnostic Overshadowing: "All Is Not Down Syndrome"

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

Many families have reported that, when they have told a health care provider about a symptom their loved one with Down syndrome is experiencing, the provider has, in effect, said, “It is jus

item name

Anesthesia

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

There are four main factors to consider in a discussion of anesthesia in people with Down syndrome (DS): Anesthesia can be an important part of good health care at times. Many people

item name

Constipation in Down Syndrome

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

Video Watch a video clip about constipation  from our webinar At-Home Treatments for Common Health Conditions.   Constipation is a common problem in people with Down syndrom

item name

Visits to a Doctor's Office

Author: Adult Down Syndrome Center

This visual support explains what to expect when you go to a doctor's appointment.

item name

Considering Dignity of Risk in the Care of People with Intellectual Disabilities: A Clinical Perspective

Author: Chicoine & Kirschner - Perspectives in Biology and Medicine (2022)

Abstract The dignity of risk implies respect for individuals' right to make their own decisions, to participate in a broad range of desired activities, even if those activities have risk, and

item name

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

item name

Taking Charge of My Appointment

Author: Adult Down Syndrome Center

Individuals with Down syndrome can use this handout before, during, and after health appointments to help them advocate for their health.

item name

Tips for Successful Blood Draws

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

Do you or does a family member or friend with Down syndrome dread getting blood drawn? Here are some tips to help with blood draws:  Make sure to be hydrated! This will help the phle

item name

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

item name

Use of Probiotics by People with Down Syndrome

Author: Adult Down Syndrome Center - Resource

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.

item name

Liver Fibrosis

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

Fibrosis of the liver can be thought of as a "scar" in the liver that results from chronic liver injury. It is similar to scarring that may form on the skin or in the lung or other o

item name

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

item name

Treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease with Surgery

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

We were asked about surgical options for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when stomach contents, including acid, go "backwards" from the stomach up into t

Showing 1 - 24 of 35
1 2 Next Last Page 1 of 2
 

 

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.

Ask a Question

Join Our Email List Opens in new window

Close