Adult Down Syndrome Center

Looking for a simple way to support healthy habits?

Check out the Activity Trackers in our online Resource Library!
👉 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/activity-trackers/

These easy-to-use tools can help individuals with Down syndrome:
▪ Track daily routines
▪ Build healthy habits
▪ Stay motivated by seeing their progress
▪ Achieve goals
▪ Increase their independence and confidence

💡Tip: Try using the trackers consistently each week and celebrate wins along the way - small steps add up!

We've added a new personal hygiene visual - How To Put On Deodorant - to our Resource Library! There are versions for two different types of deodorant (stick and spray) as well as versions with different skin colors (lighter and darker). Access this visual and visuals on other personal hygiene tasks at the link below.

🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/how-to-put-on-deodorant-visual/

"It's just Down syndrome."

Unfortunately, many families have heard this statement after describing a behavior change or new symptom that they have noticed their loved one with Down syndrome experiencing. In medical care, this is called diagnostic overshadowing.

When a healthcare professional overshadows with regards to Down syndrome, the professional focuses primarily (or only) on the fact that the person has Down syndrome and less on the possibility of a co-occurring health condition. Diagnostic overshadowing can lead to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis of potentially treatable health conditions. When a person with Down syndrome has a change in their health, it is important to do a thorough assessment for physical and/or mental health conditions.

Learn more about diagnostic overshadowing in the article by Brian Chicoine, MD, linked below.
🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/diagnostic-overshadowing/