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

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Duration: 22 ms, Number of Results: 486

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Using Videos to Support Individuals with Down Syndrome

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

Benefits of using videos We facilitate a variety of health education and social skills groups for adolescents and adults with Down syndrome at the Adult Down Syndrome Center. We often use videos in th

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"Fatty Liver Disease" in People with Down Syndrome

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

Key Points A condition previously called fatty liver disease, now called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is a liver condition in which excess fat accumulates

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Finding a Mental Health Professional

Author: Adult Down Syndrome Center - Resource List

Finding and working with mental health professionals We often receive questions about how to find therapists, psychiatrists, or other mental health professionals with experience working with

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Ulcers in the Esophagus, Stomach, and Small Intestine in People with Down Syndrome

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

Key Points Ulcers are open sores in the gastrointestinal tract. They are commonly caused by Helicobacter pylori infection but anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., ibuprofen) may also contribu

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Fatigue

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

Key Points Fatigue is a common symptom for people with and without Down syndrome. It involves feelings of extreme tiredness and lack of energy. Lifestyle choices can contribute to fatigue. There are a

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Gastrointestinal Bleeding

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

Key Points Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is any bleeding that occurs in the digestive or GI tract. Medical problems in the GI tract can cause GI bleeding. Medical problems that start in other parts o

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Atlantoaxial Instability

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

Key Points Atlantoaxial instability is abnormal movement between the first and second vertebrae (bones) in the neck. Atlantoaxial instability is much more common in people with Down syndrome compared

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

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

Key Points Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of a group of disorders related to the interaction between the gut and the brain (nervous system). IBS is probably more common in people with Down synd

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Toilet Hygiene

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

Toilet hygiene challenges Thorough toilet hygiene is difficult for many individuals with Down syndrome.  We see the following challenges: trouble with toilet training difficulty with wiping a

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Use of Probiotics by People with Down Syndrome

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

Key Points Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms (e.g., bacteria). Probiotics can be ingested by eating certain foods (e.g., yogurt) or by taking a supplement. While the

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Gastrointestinal Health of People with Down Syndrome Webinar Recording (May 2025)

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

The video below is a recording of a webinar presented by Brian Chicoine, MD, Medical Director of the Adult Down Syndrome Center.  Description: People with Down syndrome have several differenc

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Constipation in Down Syndrome

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

Key Points Constipation is a decrease in the normal volume of bowel movements (poop).  Constipation is more common in people with Down syndrome. There are several means of reducing constipati

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Bathing and Showering Tips

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

Bathing and showering may be difficult for some individuals with Down syndrome for many reasons. No desire to bathe Too many steps to remember Not washing thoroughly Just stands in the shower (doesn&a

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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