Golfer with Down syndrome Nails Par

Check out this young woman who has Down syndrome hit a 3-Par on a professional course.  My favorite parts:  She constantly chants "You can do this" to herself and says outloud to the people around her "They love me!" (referring to the crowd cheering for her!

Research Article about Down syndrome

I love research.  This one particularly hit home because my daughter has Down syndrome.  You can find this research information from the Harvard Gazette HERE.

3/21 is WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY

March 21st of every year is World Down Syndrome Day.  It is celebrated on this day because it is the 21st chromosomal pair that has 3 copies instead of a pair.

There are many ways this is celebrated.  Some people (including my family) wear cool socks with pants rolled up to create awareness and start a conversation.  Some people (including me) post information about Down syndrome on social media.

I'm celebrating today for my daughter, her friends, and the kids on my caseload who have DS.  Come celebrate with me.

FYI: New Growth Charts for Children with Down Syndrome

The American Academy of Pediatrics has released new growth charts for children with Down syndrome.  Due to advances in health care overall, our children with Down syndrome are gaining more weight and growing taller, which is reflected in the new growth charts. The new study included 637 children with Down syndrome up to the age of 20.

I plan on printing the article and making sure that my family doctor has a copy.

You can find a news article on the subject here.  http://www.aappublications.org/news/2015/10/30/GrowthCharts103015

You can find the research article and growth charts here.
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/136/5/e1204

I'm grateful for all of the researchers who continue to ask questions and seek answers concerning the Down syndrome population.  I don't think you hear it often enough.  So, from this mother and SLP, thank you.

Health Recommendations for Children with Down Syndrome - American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Report

Since my daughter has Down syndrome, I get asked questions about health and what to expect for children with Down syndrome.  This is my go-to resource.  The American Academy of Pediatrics came out with a clinical health report for recommendations in 2011.  It is very helpful.  I often print out the entire report and take it to my daughter's doctor.  Be sure to check out Appendix 1 for a chart on what to have checked at certain ages.  You can find the link at:

 http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2011/07/21/peds.2011-1605.full.pdf+html