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

Duration: 9 ms, Number of Results: 39

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Toilet Hygiene

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

Toilet hygiene challenges Thorough toilet hygiene is difficult for many individuals with Down syndrome.  We see the following challenges: trouble with toilet training difficulty with wiping a

Bathing and Showering Tips

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

Bathing and showering may be difficult for some individuals with Down syndrome for many reasons. No desire to bathe Too many steps to remember Not washing thoroughly Just stands in the shower (doesn&a

Tips for Selecting Clothing and Getting Dressed

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

Challenges with dressing Getting dressed or dressing can be difficult for some individuals with Down syndrome, in part because bilateral coordination and dexterity skills can be challenging f

Affordable Sensory Equipment

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L - Occupational Therapist

Weighted products Key points to remember:  Please consult with an occupational therapist to help you determine the best size and weight. It is typically recommended to have a blanket be&n

Menstrual Hygiene

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L and Hannah Graham, MD - Adult Down Syndrome Center

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

Tips for a Sensory-Friendly Haircut

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

While many find a trip to the salon or barbershop relaxing and look forward to their new look, getting a haircut can be an uncomfortable and even frightening experience for those with sensory

Tips for Washing and Rinsing Hair

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

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

Balance and Down Syndrome

Author: Jennifer Spiric, PT, DPT and Brian Chicoine, MD - Mann Method PT and Fitness and Adult Down Syndrome Center

Key Points Differences in the body's sensory systems in people with Down syndrome can contribute to impairments in balance. Impaired balance can limit the ability or willingness of people with

Sleep Apnea

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

Key Points Sleep apnea is the temporary stoppage of breathing while sleeping. Sleep apnea is more common in people with Down syndrome. There are 3 types of sleep apnea. The most common type in people

Supporting People with Down Syndrome in Managing their Personal Hygiene Webinar Recording (12/12/2024)

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

The video below is a recording of a webinar presented by Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L, occupational therapist at the Adult Down Syndrome Center.  Description:  Successfully completing per

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccination

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

What is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)? RSV is a virus that causes a common respiratory infection. The infection is usually mild and causes cold-like symptoms. People usually recover in a week or t

Adaptive Clothing

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

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. Adap

Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Screening for Women with Down Syndrome

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

Key Points Breast cancer is less common in women with Down syndrome compared to women without Down syndrome. Currently, the recommendations for breast cancer screening are the same for women with and

Measles and Down Syndrome

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

Key Points Measles is a highly contagious infection. It can have very serious complications. There has been a recent increase in measles infections.  Little is known about measles infection s

Prostate Cancer Screening in Men with Down Syndrome

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

Key Points on Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. There is uncertainty about the potential benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening for men.&nb

Dysgerminomas in Women with Down Syndrome

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

Key Points A dysgerminoma is a type of cancer that usually occurs in a woman's ovary. There is limited research on dysgerminomas in women with Down syndrome. It is not clear if dysgerminomas a

Tips for Cutting Fingernails and Toenails

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

Cutting your nails is a personal hygiene task that must be completed regularly to maintain healthy and strong nails. In the list below, I have shared general tips to make trimming your nails easier an

Proprioceptive Input

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

Many individuals with Down syndrome (DS) experience difficulty with their proprioceptive system. The proprioceptive sensors in our body are responsible for providing feedback so we know where our body

Keratoconus in People with Down Syndrome

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

We received a question about treatment of keratoconus in people with Down syndrome.  What is keratoconus? Keratoconus is an eye condition in which the cornea (the clear part in the front of t

Tips for Managing Medications

Author: Monica Prindiville, OTS and Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L - Occupational Therapy Student and Occupational Therapist

Whether on one medication or many, people with and without Down Syndrome have difficulty taking medication as prescribed. The following tips can help simplify medication management and prevent missed

Sensory Processing Strategies to Promote Mental Wellness in People with Down Syndrome Webinar Recording (5/11/2022)

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

The video below is a recording of a webinar presented by Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L of the Adult Down Syndrome Center. Dr. Frank is an occupational therapist at the Center. In the webinar, she describes

Advancements in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Webinar Recording (11/8/2021)

Author: Michael Layland, MD - Otolaryngologist

The video below is a recording of a webinar presented by Dr. Michael Layland on November 8, 2021. Dr. Layland is an otolaryngologist at the Ear Nose & Throat Center and Advocate Lutheran Gener

Down Syndrome EyeWiki

Author: American Academy of Ophthalmology - Eye Encyclopedia

EyeWiki is an Eye Encyclopedia developed by the American Academy of Ophthalmology with content contributed by ophthalmologists (eye physicians and surgeons). There is a Down syndrome page wit

Testicular Cancer

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

Key Points Testicular cancer is more common in men with Down syndrome compared to men without Down syndrome. Health care providers can check for testicular cancer during an annual physical exam. Testi

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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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