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Duration: 25 ms, Number of Results: 28

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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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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

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Supporting Healthy Sexuality for Individuals with Down Syndrome Webinar Recording (11/16/2022)

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

This is a recording of a webinar presented by Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L of the Adult Down Syndrome Center in Park Ridge, IL. We know that having healthy relationships benefits the physical, mental, and

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Planet Puberty

Author: Family Planning NSW - Digital Resource (Australia)

Planet Puberty is a resource designed to guide parents of individuals with intellectual disabilities through their child's puberty journey. Topics include the body, feeling good, relationships

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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

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Supporting Healthy Sexuality for Your Loved One with Down Syndrome Webinar Recording (6/15/2022)

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L - North Carolina Down Syndrome Virtual Speaker Series

On June 15, 2022, the North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance hosted a webinar called "Supporting Healthy Sexuality for Your Loved One with Down Syndrome" presented by Katie Frank, PhD

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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

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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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Birth Control in Women with Down Syndrome

Author: Hannah Graham, MD - Adult Down Syndrome Center

Birth control encompasses a wide range of strategies and medications used to prevent pregnancy. Besides preventing pregnancy, some of the medications may be used to treat other common symptoms of mens

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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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Parents as Primary Sexuality Educators for Adolescents and Adults With Down Syndrome

Author: Frank & Sandman - American Journal of Sexuality Education (2021)

Abstract Limited research exists on the effectiveness of in-person workshops to help parents talk about sexuality. This study utilizes a parallel mixed methods design to examine the impact of the&

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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.

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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

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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

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Resource List for Sexual Assault and/or Abuse

Author: Adult Down Syndrome Center

This is a list of resources primarily for individuals in the Chicagoland area.

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Supporting Parents as Sexuality Educators for Individuals with Intellectual Disability

Author: Frank & Sandman - Sexuality and Disability (2019)

Abstract All individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) have the right to develop and express sexuality in an emotionally satisfying and socially appropriate manner. Questions

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Dating FAQs

Author: Terri Couwenhoven, MS - Sexuality Educator and Clinic Coordinator

In the document linked below, Terri Couwenhoven shares answers to frequently asked questions about dating. Terri is the author of several books including  Teaching Children with Down

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Lactose Intolerance

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

People with Down syndrome can experience a variety of gastrointestinal issues. One of them is intolerance to foods containing lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in dairy products like milk and ice crea

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The Utility of Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody-IgA (tTG-IgA) Testing for Celiac Disease in Adults with Down Syndrome

Author: Chicoine, Parikh, Sulo, & Chicoine - American Journal of Clinical Medicine

Abstract Objectives:  We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of the anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA antibody (tTG-IgA) test compared to esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in adults with Down&

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Modeling, Imitation, and Mutual Participation

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

Observing someone demonstrate appropriate behavior, watching a parent or friend model healthy activity, or having a mentor to observe and imitate are all ways we learn a variety of healthy behaviors i

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People First

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

When we started the clinic, families spoke to us about what they needed as well as what they expected and what was most likely to help us connect with families and people with Down syndrome. One of th

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Memorial/Life Celebration

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

I spoke at a patient’s memorial/life celebration a few days ago and I would like to share some of my words. I would like to go back to 1954, the year Don was born. Life expectancy of a perso

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Expectations

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

As we mention in our resource on Two Syndromes , there seem to be four main reasons for the differences noted in the different generations of people with Down syndrome – expectations , life

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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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