Adult Down Syndrome Center

FREE Webinar 👉 Understanding Men's Health in Down Syndrome

Join us on Wednesday, August 26, at 11:00 a.m. CDT to learn about health considerations for males with Down syndrome.

Males with Down syndrome may experience certain health conditions differently than females and may also face unique health concerns throughout their lives. In this webinar, Brian Chicoine, MD, will discuss common health topics affecting males with Down syndrome, including growth and development, muscle health, mental health, fertility, aging, and cancer risk. Attendees will learn about recommended health screenings, signs and symptoms to watch for, and practical ways to support lifelong health and well-being.

Learn more and register ➡ https://adultdownsyndrome.org/events/mens-health-webinar-08-26-2026/

Can't attend live? Register to receive a link to the recording!

Looking for a way to boost your health?

While doing chores may not have come to mind first, they are a great way to promote your health. Everyday tasks like vacuuming, washing dishes, folding laundry, or watering plants can:
💪 Increase physical activity
🧠 Build cognitive skills like motor planning, organization, and following directions
🧘🏽‍♀️ Reduce stress by creating a cleaner, calmer space
🌱 Strengthen independence and self-esteem
😌 Support sensory regulation through movement and proprioceptive input

In the article linked below, Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L, our occupational therapist at, shares more information about how doing chores can promote our health and overall well-being. She also provides examples of chores that individuals with and without Down syndrome can do to achieve their specific health promotion goals.
🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/health-benefits-of-chores

We are thrilled to share that Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L, occupational therapist at the Adult Down Syndrome Center, won the Bonnie J. Patterson Down Syndrome Excellence Award at this year's Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group - USA (DSMIG-USA) Annual Symposium!

The Bonnie J. Patterson Down Syndrome Excellence Award honors a professional who has made contributions that significantly advance the mission of DSMIG-USA by promoting the health and well-being of individuals with Down syndrome through excellence in clinical practice, education, mentorship, and dedicated service.

During the award presentation, Brian Chicoine, MD, shared, “In her clinical work as the occupational therapist at the Adult Down Syndrome Center in Park Ridge, Illinois, Dr. Frank demonstrates exceptional care and empathy, seeking creative, person-centered approaches to support each individual. But her impact extends far beyond the clinical setting at ADSC. She is a nationally recognized presenter who shares her expertise widely. The educational resources she has developed for ADSC’s Resource Library are used and valued by individuals with Down syndrome, families, and caregivers around the world, reflecting her commitment to practical, accessible education.”

See the article below to learn more about Dr. Frank and watch a video of the award presentation.
🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/news/bonnie-patterson-award-2026-katie-frank/

Congratulations, Dr. Frank!

Depression is a common mental health condition diagnosed in people with Down syndrome. Some people with Down syndrome have difficulty describing and reporting their symptoms, so the diagnosis may be based more on others reporting observed behavior of the person with Down syndrome. For example, a family member may notice a change in the person’s self-talk or desire to participate in activities.

Treatment may include multiple approaches such as:
▪ Counseling
▪ Identifying and reducing stress
▪ Medications
▪ Establishing healthy eating, sleeping, and exercising routines
▪ Participating in affirming social activities

Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of depression in people with Down syndrome in the article linked below.
🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/depression/

People with Down syndrome have several differences in their gastrointestinal (digestive) organs and tissues compared to people without Down syndrome. These differences cause people with Down syndrome to be more likely to develop certain gastrointestinal conditions including dysphagia (swallowing dysfunction), celiac disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, heartburn), gallstones, ulcers, and constipation, among others.

Brian Chicoine, MD, provided more information about gastrointestinal health in a 2-part webinar series called “Gastrointestinal Health of People with Down Syndrome from a Primary Care Perspective.” The recordings and slides are available in our Resource Library at the link below.
🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/gi-health-webinar-5-2025/

💤 Sleep apnea is common among individuals with Down syndrome.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children with Down syndrome between the ages of 3 and 4 years of age are screened for sleep apnea with a sleep study. Sleep apnea can develop at any age so, even if a person with Down syndrome had a sleep study as a child, a health care professional may recommend that they get another sleep study as they get older.

There are a variety of treatments available for sleep apnea including CPAP, hypoglossal nerve stimulation (Inspire), and others. It is important to diagnose and treat sleep apnea because untreated sleep apnea can cause many symptoms that impact daily life. Additionally, untreated sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in people with Down syndrome.

Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of sleep apnea in people with Down syndrome in the article linked below.
🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/sleep-apnea/

Eating at a healthy pace can be challenging for all of us! To eat more slowly, we can take a sip of water and/or set our utensil down between bites of food. Our Resource Library has a video in which Julia explains these strategies for eating at a healthy pace. We also have two handouts that we share with individuals with Down syndrome and their families who want to work on eating more slowly. The handouts are a 2-page story and a 1-page visual. They are available for free in our Resource Library!

🔗 Link to resources ➡ https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/healthy-pace-for-eating-video/

Thank you for visiting, Ryan Rolison! Congratulations to the Chicago Cubs on the W last night! Go Cubs Go!

Self-injurious behaviors (SIB) are actions that a person does to himself or herself that result in harm to their own body. These behaviors may include hitting oneself, striking a body part against an object, throwing oneself on the floor, and/or head banging. There are many possible causes as well as a variety of treatment options depending on the cause.

Brian Chicoine, MD, Medical Director of the Adult Down Syndrome Center, shares more information about SIB, including ways to support a person with Down syndrome and SIB, in the article linked below.
🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/self-injurious-behavior/