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

Duration: 14 ms, Number of Results: 30

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Hypertension and Hypotension

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

Key Points  The blood pressure of people with Down syndrome tends to be on the lower side. High blood pressure (hypertension) is much less common in people with Down syndrome. Blood pressures

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

Employment Resources

Author: Ann Garcia and Jennifer Smid - Patient Advocates, Adult Down Syndrome Center

This list of resources was compiled by the patient advocates at the Adult Down Syndrome Center. Some of these resources are specific to the greater Chicagoland area and/or Illinois. If you are looking

College and Vocational Training Resources

Author: Ann Garcia - Patient Advocate, Adult Down Syndrome Center

This list of resources was compiled by Ann Garcia, patient advocate at the Adult Down Syndrome Center. Most of these resources are specific to the greater Chicagoland area and/or Illinois. If

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Post-Secondary Transition Resources

Author: Ann Garcia and Grace O'Connor - Patient Advocates, Adult Down Syndrome Center

This list of resources was compiled by Ann Garcia and Grace O'Connor, patient advocates at the Adult Down Syndrome Center. Some of these resources are specific to Illinois residents - they are

Health Care Transition Resources

Author: Ann Garcia and Grace O'Connor - Patient Advocates, Adult Down Syndrome Center

The resources below can be used by individuals with Down syndrome, their families and caregivers, and their health care providers during the transition from pediatric to adult health care.  G

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

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.

Affordable Sensory Equipment

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L

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

Upper Body Joint Compression

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L

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

Alternatives to Workshops

Author: Ann Garcia and Grace O'Connor - Patient Advocates, Adult Down Syndrome Center

Some of these resources are specific to the greater Chicagoland area and/or Illinois. If you are looking for resources in another region, we recommend reaching out to a local Down syndrome parent orga

Use of Aspirin to Prevent Heart Attacks

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

We were sent a question about the use of aspirin to prevent heart attacks in people with Down syndrome. We have provided some information below. Please note that this information is for educational pu

Trisomy 21 Toolkit for Transitioning to Adult Medical Care

Author: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia - Trisomy 21 Toolkit for Transitioning to Adult Medical Care

The Trisomy 21 Toolkit for Transitioning to Adult Medical Care outlines steps individuals with Down syndrome or other intellectual disabilities can take toward building independence, planning for the

Down Syndrome, Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, and Bicuspid Aortic Valve

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

We were sent a question about Down syndrome and Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome and Bicuspid Aortic Valve. WPW is a heart condition in which there is an extra electrical pathway in the heart. The

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

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

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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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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