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Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism

Author: Ima V. Jonkheer, DO and Brian Chicoine, MD - Family Medicine, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Key Points  The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system. It is a gland that is in the neck. Thyroid function affects or has an impact on many body functions and, therefore, abnormal thy

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

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

What is hypoglycemia? Hypoglycemia is the medical term for low blood sugar or low glucose. Blood sugar or glucose levels can be measured with a blood test. Healthcare providers make the diagnosis of h

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Gout in People with Down Syndrome

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

Gout is more common in people with Down syndrome (DS) (as indicated by the studies at this link  and this link ). Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by

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Does TSH tell the whole story?

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

Thyroid conditions such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) are more common in people with Down syndrome. Current guidelines for adults with Down syndrome

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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

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My Health Passport

Author: Florida Center for Inclusive Communities

This health passport can be filled out by individuals with Down syndrome and their families to share information with health care professionals about how they can best support the individual.

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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.

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Affordable Sensory Equipment

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L

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

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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.

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Diabetes in Adults with Down Syndrome

Author: Chuan-Li Fan, DO - Family Medicine Resident, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disease marked by the inability of the body to regulate sugars through insulin. Either the body does not produce enough insulin in the pancreas to help the body absorb suga

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Influenza

Author: Shelly Verma, DO - Family Medicine Resident, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Influenza, or the flu, is caused by the influenza virus. Flu season starts in the fall and peaks between December to March. However, it can last as late as May. There are many different strains of the

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Upper Respiratory Infection - The Common Cold

Author: Jenna Okerblom, DO - Family Medicine Resident, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

What is it? Most commonly caused by respiratory viruses. Signs and symptoms of the common cold include fever, cough, runny nose, congestion, sore throat, headache, and aches and pains all over. Usuall

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Thyroid, Weight, and Metabolism

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

We were sent a question about thyroid, weight, and metabolism in people with Down syndrome. People with Down syndrome more commonly have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), one symptom of which is w

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Ask the Doctor: Thyroid Testing

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

Question: Recently, my daughter’s annual thyroid blood work came back as follows: TSH 9.74 (normal: 0.3-5.0), T3 27.8 (normal: 25.0-35.0), Free T4 1.7 (normal: 1.0-4.3), and T4 6.2 (normal:

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Hypothyroidism Presenting as Severe Psychological and Mental Dysfunction

Author: Chicoine

This is an article written by Brian Chicoine in Success Stories in Developmental Disabilities. Vol II. edited by Dale Antanitus and published in 1993.

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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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