Down Syndrome Center Podcast

By Kishore Vellody, MD

What's Down Syndrome Center Podcast about?

This podcast contains information for caregivers and providers regarding Down syndrome. Hosted by Dr. Kishore Vellody, Medical Director of the Down Syndrome Center of Western Pennsylvania and former President of the National Down Syndrome Congress.

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Down Syndrome Center Podcast episodes:

06.06.2024
#181 - Anesthesia in Down syndrome, Part 1
Dr. James Hunt is a pediatric anesthesiologist at Arkansas Children's Hospital. He joined the podcast to discuss specific issues related to anesthesia in Down syndrome. This is Part 1 of the podcast.
05.23.2024
#180 - Sleep Questions!
Dr. Lucy Lubinski is a Sleep Psychologist at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. She joined the podcast today to discuss common sleep related issues in pediatrics and approaches to management. Pediatric Sleep Councilhttps://www.babysleep.com If you would like to suggest a topic...
05.09.2024
#179 - Exceptional Families of the Military
Rebecca Emerson and Austin Carrigg joined the podcast to talk about Exceptional Families of the Military, a 501 c(3) non-profit that helps families who are enrolled in the Department of Defense Exceptional Family Member Program. They discussed what to do...
04.18.2024
#178 - John's Crazy Socks!
John and Mark Cronin joined the podcast today to talk about their world famous sock store called John's Crazy Socks. Listen to the podcast to find out why their mission is about something so much greater than "just socks." For...
04.04.2024
#177 - Weight Loss Medications and Surgeries
Dr. Vibha Singhal, pediatric endocrinologist, and Dr. Kellen Hayes, bariatric surgeon, joined the podcast to give their thoughts on the latest buzz around weight loss medications and bariatric surgeries. They also give their thoughts specifically on these treatments/management strategies for...
03.21.2024
#176 - Happy World Down Syndrome Day 2024!
NDSC Board Member and Self-Advocate Craig Blackburn joined the podcast to share about the amazing work that he is doing. He and his mother Pat Ehrle shared about their experiences and what World Down Syndrome Day means to them.
03.07.2024
#175 - Inflammation in Down Syndrome (with Dr. Joaquin Espinosa)
Dr. Joaquin Espinosa is the Executive Director of the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome at the University of Colorado. He joins the podcast today to discuss his research on inflammation in Down syndrome and how modifications in the immune...
02.22.2024
#174 - Dating in Down Syndrome (with Terri Couwenhoven)
Terri Couwenhoven is known internationally for her work as a sex educator specializing in creating programs and resources for people who have intellectual disabilities, their famlies, and the professionals who support them. She rejoined the podcast this week to talk...
02.08.2024
#173 - Sexuality and Down Syndrome (with Terri Couwenhoven)
Terri Couwenhoven is known internationally for her work as a sex educator specializing in creating programs and resources for people who have intellectual disabilities, their famlies, and the professionals who support them. She has been on the podcast before but...
01.25.2024
#172 - Hearing Health in Down Syndrome (with Dr. Heather Porter)
Dr. Heather Porter from Boys Town Research Hospital joined the podcast to discuss hearing health in Down syndrome. This is part 2 of the 2 part podcast. https://www.boystownhospital.org/services/ear-nose-throat/pediatric-hearing-clinic If you would like to suggest a topic for us...
01.11.2024
#171 - Hearing Health in Down Syndrome (with Dr. Heather Porter)
Dr. Heather Porter from Boys Town Research Hospital joined the podcast to discuss hearing health in Down syndrome. This is part 1 of a 2 part series. https://www.boystownhospital.org/services/ear-nose-throat/pediatric-hearing-clinic If you would like to suggest a topic for us...
12.28.2023
#170 - Dementia in Down Syndrome, Part 2 (with Dr. Seth Keller)
Dr. Seth Keller concludes our discussion on dementia in Down syndrome with part 2 of this podcast. If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cover on the podcast, please send an e-mail to [email protected]. If you would...
12.14.2023
#169 - Dementia in Down Syndrome, Part 1 (with Dr. Seth Keller)
Dr. Seth Keller joined the podcast to share his insights into dementia and Down syndrome. This is part 1 of a 2 part podcast. If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cover on the podcast, please...
11.28.2023
#168 - Year End Update!
Listen as Dr. Vellody reflects on the history of this podcast, the history of the Down Syndrome Center, and looks towards the future for both! To learn more about the Down Syndrome Center, you can visit https://www.chp.edu/our-services/down-syndrome. If you would...
11.16.2023
#167 - Talk Tools (with Heather Vukelich)
Speech language pathologist Heather Vukelich joined the podcast today to inform us about TalkTools and techniques to address feeding and speech clarity in people with Down syndrome. Websites/Resourceswww.talktools.com www.happykidstherapy.com www.happykidstherapy.com/feeding-class https://www.instagram.com/happykidstherapy/ If you...
11.02.2023
#166 - Gigi's Playhouse (with Nanci Gianni)
Nancy Gianni, Founder and Chief Belief Officer of Gigi's Playhouse, joined the podcast as part of our "Meet The Nationals" series. Gigi's Playhouse provides free educational, therapeutic-based, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the...
10.19.2023
#165 - Friendship Circle (with Rabbi Mordy Rudolph)
Rabbi Mordy Rudolph joined the podcast to discuss the Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh. This amazing organization was established in 2006 with the intention of creating a more inclusive community. It is a community-based program that brings together people of...
10.05.2023
#164 - Black Down Syndrome Association
Kelli Caughman and Crystal Lotterberry, founders of the Black Down Syndrome Association joined the podcast today to share their stories and how they led to the creation of this fantastic organization. For more information, go to https://www.blackdownsyndrome.org/. Co Founders [email protected] ...
09.21.2023
#163 - Aging in Down Syndrome (Life Expectancy, Early Aging, Menopause)
Dr. Brian Chicoine and Dr. Hannah Graham from the Adult Down Syndrome Center with Advocate Health Care in Park Ridge, Illinois joined the podcast today to discuss a listener question on menopause in Down syndrome. While I had these experts...
09.07.2023
#162 - Is Homeschooling An Option for Children with Ds? (with LaTaasha Byrd)
LaTaasha Byrd joined the podcast today to answer listener questions about homeschooling. Is homeschooling a legitimate option for children with Down syndrome. If so, what are some important considerations that may be unique in this population? Countdown to K https://countdowntok.com...
08.17.2023
#161 - Special Olympics
Gary Cimaglia, Special Olympics North America’s Vice President of Sports, joined the podcast today to give a broad overview of the Special Olympics and how you and your loved ones can be involved. For more information, go to https://www.specialolympics.org. ...
08.03.2023
#160 - Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (with Dr. Jon Santoro)
Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (formerly called Unexplained Regression in Down Syndrome or Down Syndrome Disintegrative Disorder) is a diagnosis that has previously been missed or misdiagnosed in people with Down syndrome. It is a topic in high interest amongst researchers...
07.20.2023
#159 - Sensory Processing - Part 2 (Sound sensitivity, toothbrushing, haircuts, nail trims)
Dr. Katie Frank from the Adult Down Syndrome Center in Park Ridge, IL joined the podcast to answer listener questions regarding sound sensitivity, toothbrushing, haircuts, and nail trims. So many people with Down syndrome have sensory difficulties with these tasks...
07.06.2023
#158 - Update on COVID (with Dr. Andy Nowalk)
The official pandemic status may be gone, but COVID still lingers. Listen as Dr. Andy Nowalk shares with us the latest updates on COVID, including the upcoming COVID vaccine boosters.
06.22.2023
#157 - Understanding Grief and Grieving in People with Down Syndrome
How do we help people with Down syndrome during times of grief and grieving? Dr. Rose Reif, LCMHC, CRC, BC-TMH and owner of Reif Counseling Services, PLLC joined the podcast today to discuss her perspective. For more...
06.08.2023
#156 - Behavioral Analysis (with Dr. Stacy Taylor)
Dr. Stacy Taylor, with Advance Behavior and Analysis, is an expert in behavioral analysis and special interest in patients with Down syndrome, joined the podcast to discuss her approach to behavioral questions that we received from you! We discussed inappropriate...
05.25.2023
#155 - Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action
As part of our Meet the Nationals series, Sarah Mulligan, Executive Director of Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action joined the podcast to talk about the great work that this organization does with local affiliates all over the country. For more...
05.11.2023
#154 - Bitty and Beau's Coffee Shop
Ben Wright, co-creator of Bitty and Beau's Coffee along with his wife Amy Wright, joined the podcast today to discuss the motivation behind these amazing coffee shops! There will be a Bitty and Beau's Coffee Shop opening in Pittsburgh soon...
04.27.2023
#153 - Improving Tolerance to Device Wearing (hearing aids, glasses, CPAP masks)
Dr. Lina Patel from the Sie Center in Denver joined the podcast again today. Given that facial sensitivites are very common in people with Down syndrome, tolerance to wearing hearing aids, glasses, CPAP masks, etc. can be a challenge. Dr....
04.13.2023
#152 - Addressing Unhealthy Eating Habits (with Shannon Frizzell)
Unhealthy eating patterns are unfortunately common in people with Down syndrome. On this podcast, dietician Shannon Frizzell joins to discuss a listener question on some engrained eating patterns in their loved one with Down syndrome. If you would like...
03.21.2023
#151 - A Conversation with Friends - Happy World Down Syndrome Day!
In honor of World Down Syndrome Day, enjoy this roundtable coversation recorded between my brother and his friends!
03.01.2023
#150 - How to Address Throwing Behaviors (with Dr. Tarin Santamaria)
Dr. Santamaria rejoins the podcast to address a listener question on throwing behavior. What's the best approach when your child with Down syndrome has a tendency to throw objects? And how do you keep everyone else safe? :) Join us...
02.02.2023
#149 - Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (with Dr. Jordan Jones)
Dr. Jordan Jones is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Pediatric Rheumatologist from Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas CIty, MO. Dr. Jones has a special interest in working with children with Down syndrome and has published numerous articles on this...
01.05.2023
#148 - Jack's Basket (with Carissa Carroll)
Carissa Carroll, Founder and Executive Director of Jack's Basket, joined the podcast today to talk about her story and how it influenced her to create Jack's Basket. This organization serves families all over the world, offering a welcome and congratulations...
12.15.2022
#147 - Forget Me Not - A Powerful Documentary on Inclusive Education
Award winning Director, Olivier Bernier joined the podcast today to talk about his recently released documentary called Forget Me Not. Part American, part Quebecois, Olivier is also the Co-Founder and Creative Director of the production company, Rota6 Films, specializing in...
12.01.2022
#146 - Hirschsprung Disease
Dr. Kelly Austin, Director of the Colorectal Center for Children at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, joined the podcast to discuss Hirschsprung disease. Seen more commonly in people with Down syndrome, listen to learn more about this important condition. Colorectal Center...
11.17.2022
#145 - The Importance of Exercise in Down Syndrome
Scott Quaife, NSCA-CPT, Health and Wellness Coordinator with Down Syndrome Innovations in Kansas, joined the podcast to discuss the importance of exercise in Down syndrome and overcoming potential obstacles to reaching exercise goals. For more in-depth information on this topic,...
11.03.2022
#144 - Global Down Syndrome Foundation
Michelle Sie Whitten from the Global Down Syndrome Foundation joined the podcast today as part of our "Meet the Nationals" series. For more information on Global Down Syndrome Foundation https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org Prenatal & Newborn Pamphlet: https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/prenatal-testing-pamphlet/ GLOBAL Adult...
10.20.2022
#143 - Depression, Anxiety, and OCD in Down syndrome
Dr. Anna Esbensen, psychologist with the Thomas Center for Down Syndrome at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, joined the podcast to answer a listener question about psychological issues that are seen in Down syndrome. Thomas Center for Down Syndrome https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/t/down-syndrome/services...
10.07.2022
#142 - Exciting Upcoming Events with DSA Pittsburgh!
To celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month, representatives from the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh (DSAP) joined the podcast today to reflect on their experiences as parents as well as highlight the ongoing work of DSAP. The highlight event of the...
09.29.2022
#141 - National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
Kandi Pickard, President and CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society, joined the podcast as part of our series on the national organizations who serve people with Down syndrome. You can find more information about NDSS here (https://www.ndss.org). If...
09.16.2022
#140 - COVID Update - Omicron Boosters!
Dr. Nowalk joined the podcast again to give us a general COVID update and discuss specifically the new Omicron boosters. CDC Statement on Omicron Boosters https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0901-covid-19-booster.html If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cover on...
09.02.2022
#139 - National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC)
Jordan Kough, Executive Director of the National Down Syndrome Congress, joined the podcast as part of our "Meet the Nationals" series. To learn more about the NDSC, go to http://ndsccenter.org. If you have a podcast topic you would like us...
08.11.2022
#138 - Not Down, Up Mommy (with author Antoinette Scaffidi)
Antoinette Scaffidi, author of the children's book Not Down, Up Mommy, joined the podcast to talk about the book and her thoughts on the importance of including children with disabilities in children's books. The book can be found at https://www.amazon.com/Not-Down-Mommy-Antoinette-Scaffidi/...
07.28.2022
#137 - Swallowing Dysfunction and G-tubes
Speech language pathologist Sheri Rosen and Pediatric Surgeon Dr. Mike Morowitz joined the podcast to discuss swallow studies and gastrostomy tubes. If you have an idea for a future podcast, please e-mail us at [email protected]. If you would...
07.14.2022
#136 - Healthy Lifestyle Choices Around Food and Exercise
Shannon Frizzell, registered clinical dietician, joined the podcast today to talk about strategies for healthy weight management in people with Down syndrome. For more information and resources: My Plate https://www.myplate.gov American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics https://www.eatright.org American Heart...
07.01.2022
#135 - COVID Update (Vaccination for Younger Children, Boosters for Older Children)
Dr. Nowalk rejoins the podcast for an update on the COVID pandemic as it relates to people with Down syndrome. Topics discussed include a general COVID update, COVID vaccine booster doses for children >5 years old, primary COVID vaccination for...
06.16.2022
#134 - The Lucky Few (with Heather Avis)
Heather Avis, co-host of The Lucky Few podcast joined our podcast today to talk about her journey and vision to "change the narrative" when it comes to how society views Down syndrome. To find more information and subscrie to The...
06.02.2022
#133 - Catching Up with The Improvaneers (with Rob Snow)
Rob Snow (creator and founder of The Improvaneers) returns on the podcast to give us an update with how its going on the comedy show, the impacts of COVID, and the vision for the program. You can get more information...
05.19.2022
#132 - Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (with Jen Jacob)
Jen Jacob, Founder and Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN) joined the podcast to talk about their work in the area of information and resource sharing for families. You can get connected to DSDN by going to...

What's Down Syndrome Center Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Down Syndrome Center Podcast episodes:

#181 - Anesthesia in Down syndrome, Part 1

#180 - Sleep Questions!

#179 - Exceptional Families of the Military

#178 - John's Crazy Socks!

#177 - Weight Loss Medications and Surgeries

#176 - Happy World Down Syndrome Day 2024!

#175 - Inflammation in Down Syndrome (with Dr. Joaquin Espinosa)

#174 - Dating in Down Syndrome (with Terri Couwenhoven)

#173 - Sexuality and Down Syndrome (with Terri Couwenhoven)

#172 - Hearing Health in Down Syndrome (with Dr. Heather Porter)

#171 - Hearing Health in Down Syndrome (with Dr. Heather Porter)

#170 - Dementia in Down Syndrome, Part 2 (with Dr. Seth Keller)

#169 - Dementia in Down Syndrome, Part 1 (with Dr. Seth Keller)

#168 - Year End Update!

#167 - Talk Tools (with Heather Vukelich)

#166 - Gigi's Playhouse (with Nanci Gianni)

#165 - Friendship Circle (with Rabbi Mordy Rudolph)

#164 - Black Down Syndrome Association

#163 - Aging in Down Syndrome (Life Expectancy, Early Aging, Menopause)

#162 - Is Homeschooling An Option for Children with Ds? (with LaTaasha Byrd)

#161 - Special Olympics

#160 - Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (with Dr. Jon Santoro)

#159 - Sensory Processing - Part 2 (Sound sensitivity, toothbrushing, haircuts, nail trims)

#158 - Update on COVID (with Dr. Andy Nowalk)

#157 - Understanding Grief and Grieving in People with Down Syndrome

#156 - Behavioral Analysis (with Dr. Stacy Taylor)

#155 - Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action

#154 - Bitty and Beau's Coffee Shop

#153 - Improving Tolerance to Device Wearing (hearing aids, glasses, CPAP masks)

#152 - Addressing Unhealthy Eating Habits (with Shannon Frizzell)

#151 - A Conversation with Friends - Happy World Down Syndrome Day!

#150 - How to Address Throwing Behaviors (with Dr. Tarin Santamaria)

#149 - Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (with Dr. Jordan Jones)

#148 - Jack's Basket (with Carissa Carroll)

#147 - Forget Me Not - A Powerful Documentary on Inclusive Education

#146 - Hirschsprung Disease

#145 - The Importance of Exercise in Down Syndrome

#144 - Global Down Syndrome Foundation

#143 - Depression, Anxiety, and OCD in Down syndrome

#142 - Exciting Upcoming Events with DSA Pittsburgh!

#141 - National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)

#140 - COVID Update - Omicron Boosters!

#139 - National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC)

#138 - Not Down, Up Mommy (with author Antoinette Scaffidi)

#137 - Swallowing Dysfunction and G-tubes

#136 - Healthy Lifestyle Choices Around Food and Exercise

#135 - COVID Update (Vaccination for Younger Children, Boosters for Older Children)

#134 - The Lucky Few (with Heather Avis)

#133 - Catching Up with The Improvaneers (with Rob Snow)

#132 - Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (with Jen Jacob)

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