Section Heading Background Image

Search our Resources

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

Home Resources

Duration: 10 ms, Number of Results: 33

Showing 1 - 24 of 33
1 2 Next Last Page 1 of 2
item name

Acrocyanosis

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

What is acrocyanosis? Acrocyanosis is the bluish discoloration of the extremities (usually the hands and/or feet) due to decreased oxygen being delivered to those areas. The small blood vessels in the

item name

Information on COVID-19 Booster Shots from the Adult Down Syndrome Center

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD, Erin Dominiak, MD, and Hannah Graham, MD - Adult Down Syndrome Center

UPDATED 9/9/2022 The physicians of the Adult Down Syndrome Center recommend that individuals with Down syndrome ages 12 years and older who do not have a contraindication follow the recommendations of

item name

Toilet Hygiene

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

Thorough toilet hygiene is difficult for many individuals with Down syndrome. However, there are several options to increase independence and success with toilet hygiene. Use pre-moistened wipes . Be

item name

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

item name

Tips for a Sensory-Friendly Haircut

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

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

item name

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

item name

Pneumococcal Vaccines

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD, Erin Dominiak, MD, and Hannah Graham, MD - Adult Down Syndrome Center

April 2022: We updated this resource to include information about Prevnar 20 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, PCV20). What is pneumococcal disease?  Pneumococcal disease is caused by

item name

Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (DS-ASD)

Author: Autism Speaks and DSMIG-USA DS-ASD Workgroup - Website

It is estimated that about 16-18% of people with Down syndrome also have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group-USA DS-ASD Workgroup collaborated with Autism Speaks t

item name

Immune Response to COVID-19 Vaccines

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

We have shared both our clinical experience and studies that demonstrate clinical effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in people with Down syndrome. However, until recently, studies have not

item name

Low Heart Rate and Blood Pressure

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD - "Ask Dr. Chicoine" LuMind IDSC Foundation

Blood pressure and heart rates/pulses that are on the lower end of normal or even a little lower than normal are common findings in people with Down syndrome (see this article on hypertension

item name

When Veins Don't Work

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

What is the vascular system? Our vascular system includes blood vessels (including veins, arteries, and smaller blood vessels) as well as the heart. Arteries carry blood away from the heart towards th

item name

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. I ha

item name

Weighted Blankets

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

The use of weighted blankets is a sensory technique that provides deep pressure stimulation. Evidence suggests that deep pressure stimulation produces a calming effect to the autonomic nervous system

item name

Bathing and Showering Tips

Author: Natalie Rivera, OTS and Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L - Occupational therapy student and occupational therapist

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

item name

Taking Medication for Side Effects from the COVID-19 Vaccine

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

As with all vaccines, there is the potential to experience side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. This is true for people with and without Down syndrome. These side effects may include pain

item name

Tips for Washing and Rinsing Hair in the Shower

Author: 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

item name

Co-Occurring Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (DS-ASD)

Author: Down Syndrome-Autism Connection - Website

  Learn about co-occurring Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (DS-ASD) on the page linked here . The information is provided by the Down Syndrome-Autism Connection, an organization wh

item name

Sensory Processing and Down Syndrome

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

The Sensory System No one has a perfectly functioning sensory system. We all have sensory preferences and even sensory needs, each unique to how our central nervous system perceives and processes sens

item name

Flu Vaccine Information for People with Down Syndrome

Author: Daniela Estrada Gomez, MD - Down Syndrome Program of Mass General Hospital for Children

Individuals with and without Down syndrome can experience harmful symptoms and complications from the flu. The best way to avoid catching the flu is to get the flu vaccine each year. To learn more abo

item name

Antibodies Against Measles

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

We were recently contacted regarding the testing for antibodies (immunity) against measles as part of a pre-employment physical. This is a common request for jobs in health care and for some colleges.

item name

Vasovagal Syncope (Fainting)

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

What is vasovagal syncope?  Vasovagal syncope is what we commonly think of as fainting in response to emotional upset or pain. Chen-Scarabelli and Scarabelli (2004) define it as “a

item name

Lower Body Joint Compression

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L

This article describes a form of proprioceptive input called lower body joint compression which may be helpful for individuals with sensory challenges.

item name

Affordable Sensory Equipment

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L

In this handout, our occupational therapist provides recommendations for affordable sensory equipment .

item name

New Way to Learn How to Tie Shoes

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L

This handout describes an alternative method for tying shoes that may help individuals with Down syndrome be more independent with this task.

Showing 1 - 24 of 33
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