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

Duration: 8 ms, Number of Results: 73

Showing 25 - 48 of 73

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

Impact of Physical Health Conditions on Mental Health

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

Every thorough mental health assessment should include an assessment of physical health to ensure that physical health problems are not affecting mental well-being in any way. This is true whether or

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

Stereotypies: Repetitive Movements or Sounds

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

A parent of an individual with Down syndrome asked a question about stereotypies and self-stimulatory behavior. The parent shared that the individual made noises while watching videos on their iPad an

Managing Anxiety During Storms

Author: Adult Down Syndrome Center - Resource

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

Down Syndrome EyeWiki

Author: American Academy of Ophthalmology - Eye Encyclopedia

EyeWiki is an Eye Encyclopedia developed by the American Academy of Ophthalmology with content contributed by ophthalmologists (eye physicians and surgeons). There is a Down syndrome page wit

Weaning Off Psychotropic Medications

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

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

Prevalence of Mental Health Conditions Among 6078 Individuals with Down Syndrome in the United States

Author: Rivelli et al. - Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews (2022)

Abstract Findings from a recent study of the largest documented cohort of individuals with Down syndrome (DS) in the United States described prevalence of common disease conditions and strongly sugges

Prevalence of Infectious Diseases Among 6078 Individuals with Down Syndrome in the United States

Author: Fitzpatrick et al. - Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Abstract A recent disease prevalence study of the largest documented Down syndrome (DS) cohort in the United States strongly suggested significant disparity in general infectious disease conditions am

Surgery to Correct Eye Crossing (Strabismus)

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

We were asked about recurrence of strabismus that had been corrected by surgery in childhood. Strabismus is crossing of the eyes. The eyes of an individual with strabismus are not lined up properly an

Selective Mutism and Other Causes of Loss of Speech in People with Down Syndrome

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

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

Promoting Mental Health in Adolescents & Adults with Down Syndrome Webinar Recording (9/28/2021)

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

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.

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

Generalized Anxiety Disorder in People with Down Syndrome

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

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

Depression in People with Down Syndrome

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

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

Using "I" Statements

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

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

Finding a Mental Health Provider

Author: Adult Down Syndrome Center - Resource

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

Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome (2nd Edition)

Author: Dennis McGuire, PhD and Brian Chicoine, MD - Book (2021)

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

Mental Health Causes for Behavior Change During a Pandemic Webinar Recording (3/28/2021)

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD and Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L - Adult Down Syndrome Center

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

Mental Wellness and Aging in Adults with Down Syndrome Webinar Recording (10/27/2020)

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

Title:  Mental Wellness and Aging in Adults with Down Syndrome Date:  October 27, 2020 Presenter:  Brian Chicoine, MD Host Organization:  Down Syndrome Association

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

Down Syndrome Disintegrative Disorder: A Clinical Regression Syndrome of Increasing Importance

Author: Rosso et al. - Pediatrics (2020)

Abstract Down syndrome disintegrative disorder (DSDD), a developmental regression in children with Down syndrome (DS), is a clinical entity that is characterized by a loss of previously acquired adapt

Behavior Changes in Adolescents and Adults with Down Syndrome Webinar Recording (4/28/2020)

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD and Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L - Webinar

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

Refusal to Eat Solid Foods

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

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

Showing 25 - 48 of 73
 

 

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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