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

Duration: 11 ms, Number of Results: 482

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Swallowing Problems (Dysphagia)

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

Key Points Swallowing is a complex function that consists of some steps that require us to think about them and other steps that do not require us to think about them. Normal swallowing of food and dr

Appropriate Touch Visual

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

Appropriate Touch Family Hug Hold hands Kiss Friends Side hug High five Wave Fist bump Shake hands Boyfriends and Girlfriends This type of touch is romantic. Hug Kiss Put their arms around each other

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

Sexual Assault and Abuse Resources

Author: Adult Down Syndrome Center - Resource List

National resources Organizations RAINN - Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network Largest anti-sexual violence organization in the United States.  National Sexual Violence Resource Cent

Healthy Eating Visual

Author: Adult Down Syndrome Center - Visual

Healthy Eating Visual I should eat healthy foods and drinks such as: fruit vegetables meat/fish whole grains dairy water I should avoid or limit eating unhealthy foods and drinks such as: candy desser

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

Gout in People with Down Syndrome

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

Key Points Gout is caused by build-up of uric acid in the body which can cause inflammation in the joints (inflammatory arthritis). An acute “attack” of gout can be very painful. A

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

My Rules for Conversations Visual

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

My Rules for Conversations   My Rules for Conversations I will look at the person talking. I will listen to what others are saying. I will maintain good personal space. I will speak in a loud

Conversation Skills in Romantic Relationships Visual

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

Conversation Skills in Romantic Relationships Why are conversation skills important in romantic relationships? They help us communicate! Get to know someone. Help to plan a date. Help to have conversa

Qualities of Good Friends

Author: Adult Down Syndrome Center - Visual

Qualities of Good Friends   Qualities of Good Friends Good friends... Use nice words Do kind things Listen Are trustworthy Respect and have boundaries Apologize Take turns/ compromise Say how

Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling)

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

Key Points Trichotillomania is a mental health condition in a category called "body-focused repetitive behaviors." It is characterized by frequent, repeated, and irresistible urges t

Alopecia Areata

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

Key Points Alopecia areata is a sudden loss of hair. It is an autoimmune condition in which the person's own immune system attacks the hair follicles.  Alopecia areata is patchy hair

Possible Causes of Hair Loss

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

Key Points Hair loss can be caused by many conditions. Alopecia areata and alopecia totalis are autoimmune conditions that are more common in people with Down syndrome compared to people without Down

Tips for Building a New Habit or Routine

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

Many individuals with Down syndrome have “ the groove ” or a set pattern or routine in their actions or thoughts. This preference for sameness or repetition can be advantageous whe

Vitamin B12 and Folate

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD - Adult Down Syndrome Center

Key Points Vitamin B12 and folate are vitamins that serve important functions in the human body. There are differences in how effectively these vitamins perform their functions in people with Down syn

Function of the Autonomic Nervous System in People with Down Syndrome

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

Key Points The autonomic nervous system is the part of the nervous system that functions “automatically” without us needing to think about it. The autonomic nervous system works di

Healthy Ways to Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day

Author: Adult Down Syndrome Center - WDSD Resource

World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated annually on March 21. We compiled a list of 21 activities we can do to celebrate this special day  and  promote our health. Consider do

Adapting Activities for Older Adults with Down Syndrome Webinar Recording (3/13/2025)

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

The video below is a recording of a webinar presented by Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L, Senior Occupational Therapist at the Adult Down Syndrome Center.  Description: As adults with Down syndrome a

Create a Morning or Bedtime Routine Visual

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

Use the instructions and documents below to create a visual about your morning or bedtime routine!  Instructions Print the blank morning routine template  or bedtime routine

Health Benefits of Chores

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

Just thinking about chores can make us want to groan but doing chores can be beneficial for our physical and mental health. Doing chores is one way to incorporate more physical activ

MCH and MCV: Differences in Red Blood Cells of People with Down Syndrome

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

Key Points The red blood cells of people with Down syndrome are often larger than normal.  Additional evaluation (testing) is indicated if the finding of large red blood cells (measured by MC

Health Passports - 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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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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