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Are you considering adopting or fostering a child with Down Syndrome? Join our conversation with Dr. Sara Williams, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. She provides developmental evaluations and follow-up care for children with a variety of neurodevelopmental disabilities, including in the Thomas Center for Down Syndrome.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What is Down syndrome?
• How common is it?
• What are the different types of Down syndrome? Is genetic testing routinely done when Down syndrome is suspected?
• What are some of the common physical traits of a person with Down syndrome? 
• What are the common developmental disabilities caused by this disorder?
• What are the common intellectual disabilities caused by this disorder?
• Is there a way to know in advance how intellectually impacted a child may be? 
• Do the symptoms differ depending on the type of Down syndrome the child has? 
• What are the common mental health issues that people with this disorder may exhibit?
• What are some ways to determine the degree of impact if you adopt a child past infancy? 
• Interventions that can help.
• How do these kids fit within the school system? What is the school system required to do?
• What are the common medical conditions that may accompany trisomy 21?
• What is the life expectancy of a person with Down syndrome?
• Is there a medical specialty that those considering adopting or fostering a child with Down syndrome should seek out?
• What are some common mental health issues and behavioral issues that may be more common in people with Down syndrome?
• How to find mental health and behavioral treatment for children and adults with Down syndrome?
• How does trauma interact with Down syndrome?
• Is attachment difficult for kids with Down syndrome who have experienced trauma?
• Are people with Down syndrome able to live independently in adulthood?
• What makes a difference in the prognosis for children with Down syndrome? 
• Why should people consider adopting or fostering a child with Down syndrome?

Resources:

• National Down Syndrome Society (list of specialized centers)
• Global Down Syndrome 
• Reece’s Rainbow 
  • National Down Syndrome Adoption Network 
  • Project Search 
• Understanding Down Syndrome 
• American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Report: Health Supervision for Children With Down Syndrome

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