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For people with Down syndrome, family members, caregivers and professionals.
Duration: 34 ms, Number of Results: 54
We received a question from a family member of an individual with Down syndrome who is anxious and fearful of bad weather, particularly thunderstorms. Thunder, lightning, strong winds, heavy rain, hai
A common and appropriate question is: Can a person be weaned off a psychotropic medication? A psychotropic medication is a medication prescribed to treat a psychological problem such as depression or
What can cause unexplained weight loss? We were sent a question about unexplained weight loss. We are sharing some information here for general knowledge and/or information that can be used in consult
We were sent a question about selective mutism and loss of speech. Selective mutism is defined as an anxiety condition in which a person with normal verbal skills is unable to speak in particular sett
The video below is a recording of a webinar called "Promoting Mental Health in Adolescents & Adults with Down Syndrome" presented by Brian Chicoine, MD on September 28, 2021.
Nearly all of us have experienced anxiety during our lives. We may feel anxious about a school exam, a new job, a dentist appointment, a disagreement with a friend, or other similar situations. This i
Hair loss can occur for many reasons. Some of these may include: Age is a common cause not only for men but for women, too. Alopecia is an autoimmune condition (condition in which the body&a
Depression is a mental health condition that is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and/or a decreased interest in things that an individual previously enjoyed. Depression is more common i
We discuss "I" statements in our social skills groups for individuals with Down syndrome. "I" statements are a way to share how we feel in a clear, calm, and respec
How can I find a therapist, psychiatrist, or other mental health provider with experience working with individuals with Down syndrome? Here are a few suggestions. Contact a Down syndrome cli
The PDF linked below is a copy of the second edition of Dr. McGuire and Dr. Chicoine's book originally published by Woodbine House Publishing in 2021. After Woodbine closed in 2022, the publis
The video below is a recording of a webinar presented by Brian Chicoine, MD and Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L on March 28, 2021 as part of the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress 37th Annual Virtual Confer
In collaboration with Voya Cares, the National Down Syndrome Society published a guidebook on financial wellness. Topics include the basics of financial wellness, government benefits, workplace benefi
The link below takes you to a recording of a webinar presented by Dr. Brian Chicoine called "Mental Wellness and Aging in Adults with Down Syndrome." The webinar was hosted by the Do
The video below is a recording of a webinar presented by Brian Chicoine, MD and Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L on April 28, 2020. Dr. Chicoine is the co-founder and medical director of the Adult Down Syndrom
We were sent a question about the typical body temperature of people with Down syndrome and how they regulate their body temperature. Body Temperature of People with Down Syndrome Our review
We received a question about a person with Down syndrome who was refusing to eat solids. He was found to have dental disease. He needed several fillings and had a couple baby teeth removed. The dentis
What is self-injurious behavior? Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is behavior that an individual does that results in harm to their own body. These behaviors may include hitting oneself, striking a body
The video below was narrated and presented by Joseph Pereira, a 4th year medical student at Harvard Medical School, as part of his work with the MGH Down Syndrome Program . He shares information about
The resource found at the link below is an 11-page summary for individuals with Down syndrome and their families on promoting and maintaining good mental health. Dr. Chicoine and Dr. McGuire's
The webinar recording below was shared by the Center for Developmental Disabilities Evaluation and Research (CDDER) and the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS). The presentation s
An interesting topic came up in our social skills group recently. The participants were teenagers and were all at an age when they were considering identity issues and thinking about the future. Some
Introduction Pica is one of the most common eating disorders among individuals with autistic spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities. Practically the illness is characterized by a pattern (mor
Have you ever wondered how to help someone with Down syndrome manage their anger or anxiety? There are a few techniques that I teach people that may help. The first technique is called &
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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