Medical

Individuals with Down syndrome need the usual health care screenings and evaluations recommended for the general population. However, because children and adults with Down syndrome are at increased risk of having and/or developing a variety of medical conditions, there are additional tests or evaluations that are recommended.

In Atlanta, we have access to the Emory Genetic Clinic which addresses concerns through elementary age and the Adult Disability Medical Home, which serves adolescents and adults with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities with a holistic approach.

Emory Down Syndrome Clinic

DSAA provides financial support and partners with the Down Syndrome Clinic in the Department of Human Genetics at Emory University. The Emory Down Syndrome Clinic provides clinical services, genetic counseling, educational guidance, and resources specific to the child’s needs.

The Emory Down Syndrome Clinic schedules initial visits for children from birth to 14 years of age who have a confirmed diagnosis of Down syndrome. Each family's visit is a private appointment. The clinic team includes physicians and staff who have extensive experience in genetics, development, and education with an emphasis on the needs of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. These appointments are not designed to replace regular pediatric care but to provide an opportunity for parents to become familiar with Down syndrome and to discuss their questions and concerns in a family-centered environment.

Adult Disability Medical Home

DSAA also supports the Adult Disability Medical Home (ADMH) formerly named the Adult Down Syndrome Program. The ADMH offers a multidisciplinary team of physicians, psychologists, nutritionists, social workers and others who evaluate and provide program planning guidance for adolescents and adults with Down syndrome. For more information, visit http://www.theadmh.org/ or contact Janice Nodvin, Program Director at 678-595-4854.

Other Resources

The most recent guidelines, "Health Supervision for Children with Down Syndrome", were published by the American Academy of Pediatrics in Pediatrics (Vol. 128, No. 2, August 1, 2011. Pp. 393-406).

"Health Supervision for Children with Down Syndrome" – Entire Article

Summaries by the National Down Syndrome Society of the "Health Supervision for Children with Down Syndrome"

Healthcare Guidelines – Neonatal (Birth – 1 month)

Health Care Guidelines - Infant (1- 12 Months)

Health Care Guidelines - Ages 1-5

Health Care Guidelines - Ages 5-13

Health Care Guidelines - Ages 13-21

Health Care Guidelines - Adulthood

Growth Charts as published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Katie Beckett Deeming Waiver Walk-through

Down Syndrome Health Information

Growth Charts from CDC