Pediatric Down Syndrome

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Pediatric Down Syndrome

little girl running to catch bubbles The Down Syndrome Clinic at Children’s Health℠ is a specialty clinic designed to provide comprehensive medical care, with a primary focus on behavioral health needs, to children with Down syndrome. A team of providers from different disciplines come together to provide a variety of services, often within one visit. Providers include a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics fellow, Developmental Nurse Practitioner, Geneticist, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Genetic Counselor, and Social Worker.

Dallas

Ph: 214-456-2357

Fax: 214-456-2567

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What is Pediatric Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a medical condition that occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia and thyroid conditions.

A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays ranging from mild to significant. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual, so behavior, mental ability and physical development varies from person to person.

Down Syndrome Clinic services include:

  • Physical examinations, referral for necessary tests and lab work
  • Developmental assessments and recommendations for further testing if needed
  • Review of school records and school educational testing
  • Genetic counseling, family history analysis and discussion of recurrence risk and reproductive options
  • Psychosocial assessment and social work support
  • Referrals to medical specialists, early childhood intervention programs, therapy services, community resources and support groups
  • Financial counseling and referral for supplemental income programs
  • Parent-to-parent support and networking opportunities with representatives from the Down Syndrome Guild
  • A transition clinic when the child is approaching adulthood to assess skills and independence level

Pediatric Down Syndrome Doctors and Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How often does it occur?

    Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition, occurring in one of every 691 babies in the United States. There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the U.S., and it occurs in people of all races and economic levels.
    The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. Younger women are more fertile, however, so 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women younger than 35.

  • How does it happen?

    There are three types of Down syndrome:

    • Trisomy 21 (nondisjunction) accounts for 95% of cases.
    • Translocation accounts for about 4%.
    • Mosaicism accounts for about 1%.

    There is no way that parents can cause or prevent the occurrence of Down syndrome.

  • Is there a treatment?

    There is no cure for Down syndrome; however, many of the associated health problems are treatable, and many people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.
    Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades – from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.

  • What should I expect for the future?

    Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.
    People with Down syndrome attend school, work, play sports, have friends, make decisions for themselves and contribute to society in many ways.

  • When does the Down Syndrome Clinic meet?

    We currently see patients on Monday and Thursday mornings, as well as Friday mornings and afternoons. The Transition Down Syndrome Clinic meets on the second and fourth Thursday morning of the month. This schedule is subject to change.

  • Where is the clinic located?

    Children’s Health Specialty Center Dallas Campus, Clinic F-4200, fourth floor. Visit this page for specific driving directions and parking information.

  • How long does an appointment last?

    You will need to plan to be at clinic at least three hours for the first visit to meet with all available professionals (medical provider, social worker, genetic counselor and parent volunteer). Feel free to bring snacks and toys to clinic to entertain your child.

  • What if I’m going to be late?

    We understand that unexpected things can happen, but please make every effort to be on time to your appointment. If you know you are going to be late, please call and let us know at 214-456-2357. Since other families need to see the same providers, showing up more than 20 minutes late may require the appointment to be rescheduled.

  • How can I schedule an appointment?

    Please call the Genetics schedulers at 214-456-2357 to make an appointment. If your child is a new patient, we ask that you or your doctor provide medical records from the providers outside of the Children’s Health system, including visit notes from your child’s primary care doctor and any specialists your child may be seeing. A copy of genetic testing results and insurance information is also needed.

Resources

Clinical Team

Advanced Practice Providers and Physicians

Gather medical history information, do physical exams, make referrals, order lab tests, complete forms, write letters to primary health care providers to summarize the visit

Social Worker

Provides information regarding community resources, short term counseling about developmental concerns, school needs issues, sibling and family adjustment issues, and behavior management

Genetic Counselors

Discuss chromosomes and genetic recurrence risk, gather family history information, answer questions about inheritance

DS Guild Parent Representatives

Provide information about parent support groups, local activities, answer questions from a parent’s point-of-view

Other Resources

National Organizations

Navigate Life Texas

Local Support Groups

Special Olympics