Many children struggle with certain behavior challenges such as aggression, impulsivity, and poor listening skills. Although this is normal for a typically developing child, over 90% of children with Down Syndrome experience one or more behavioral problems on a weekly or daily basis. These behaviors not only impact the child, but also can become major stressors for parents and caregivers. In this episode, we are going to talk about the different strategies and methods primary care providers can use to help persons with down syndrome cope with these challenges in order to live life to the fullest.

Today, I am excited to be speaking with Dr. Lina Patel and Dr. Monique Germone.

Dr. Lina Patel is the director of the Down Syndrome Behavioral Health Collaborative at Children’s Hospital Colorado and is an associate professor in the department of Psychiatry at the Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Monique Germone is the associate director of the Down Syndrome Behavioral Health Collaborative and an associate professor at the Colorado School of medicine.

Resources:

Video

Understanding Behaviors in Individuals with Down syndrome 

https://vimeo.com/617189510 

password: childrens 

Books

The Guide to Good Health for Teens & Adults With Down Syndrome Paperback by Brian Chicoine  and Dennis McGuire (Available on Amazon)

Supporting Positive Behavior in Children and Teens with Down Syndrome, Revised Edition: The Respond But Don't React Method by Dr. David Stein Psy.D. (Available on Amazon)

Teaching Children with Down Syndrome about Their Bodies: A Guide for Parents and Professionals by Terri Couwenhoven (in the process of being republished)

Potty Time for Kids with Down Syndrome: Lose the Diapers, Not Your Patience by Terry Katz, Ph.D., and Lina Patel, Psy.D. (in the process of being republished)

Websites

https://www.childrenscolorado.org/doctors-and-departments/departments/down-syndrome-behavioral-health/

https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/

https://www.dsmig-usa.org/

https://www.childrenscolorado.org/doctors-and-departments/departments/down-syndrome/

https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/linda-crnic-institute