Resources for Medical Professionals & Trainees
We are here to support medical professionals and trainees however we can! Read on for information regarding how DSAW can help you support patients with Down syndrome and their families.
Learn from Self-Advocates: DSAW Healthcare Professional and Trainee Training Program
Caring for Patients with Down Syndrome: Tips and Strategies for Creating an Inclusive Healthcare Environment
Learners will hear patient and family perspectives about their experiences within the healthcare system. Although experiences can be diverse and unique, the personal examples shared are designed to help learners gain a more personal understanding of life with Down syndrome and the ways in which the healthcare system can better support the individual and their family.
DSAW is always recruiting adults and older teens with Down syndrome and related disabilities to share their experiences at these events! If you are interested or know someone who is interested in learning more about this speaking opportunity, please email Mary Gaffron: mgaffron@dsaw.org
Help your patients get connected with DSAW’s Parents First Call Program!
Parent’s First Call provides community, support, and resources to parents across Wisconsin who have received a Down syndrome diagnosis or recently welcomed a baby with Down syndrome.
When new and expectant parents sign up for the Parent’s First Call program, they receive welcome baskets that offer gold-star resources in their area, award-winning books, and goodies for their new baby. Upon signing up, parents are also given the opportunity to connect with our statewide group of trained support parents. These parents are available 24/7 to listen, share, answer questions, and provide valuable information.
Expectant and new parents oftentimes get connected with Parent’s First Call through medical professionals like you!
Please consider connecting new and expectant parents with DSAW and our Parents First Call Program. To make this process easier, please download the referral forms below or email info@dsaw.org:
[DSAW Parent Referral Form] [Postnatal Spanish] [Prenatal Spanish]
In addition, please consider bringing our medical professional training about delivering a Down syndrome diagnosis to your health system.
Receive a Medical Information Packet
Part of DSAW’s mission is to provide continuous education to physicians and other healthcare professionals on how to deliver a balanced, unbiased, accurate, up-to-date, and compassionate diagnosis of Down syndrome to new and expectant parents.
Didn’t receive information about DSAW or our Parent’s First Call Program from your medical professional? Click the button to submit your health care professional’s (OGBYN, genetic counselor, etc.) information and we will send them a medical outreach packet!
Delivering a Down Syndrome Diagnosis
The goal of DSAW and other supports like the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN) is to discuss Down syndrome in a way that is supportive and educational. That includes how an initial DS diagnosis is communicated to expectant and new parents.
We have a list of resources below for medical providers to utilize and inform the way they deliver a Down syndrome diagnosis.
Congratulations Project: Receive a congratulatory letter from members of Camp PALS in Chicago
Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network: Informing, connecting, and supporting new/expectant parents
Down Syndrome Test: Information about prenatal testing
Hosting Grand Rounds
The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Clinic (MDSC) offers Grand Rounds medical training for health care professionals. They offer the unmatched expertise of the members of the Medical & Scientific Advisory Council such as Brian Skotko, M.D., M.P.P and many others.
More Information on Hosting Grand Rounds
Over the last few years, DSAW has hosted Dr. Brian Skotko, a board-certified medical geneticist and Co-Director of the Down Syndrome Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, to conduct Grand Rounds at many locations throughout the state: Medical College of Wisconsin (with providers attending from health systems throughout Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha), the University of Wisconsin (Madison), Gunderson Health Clinic (La Crosse), Bellin Health Hospital (Green Bay), and Marshfield Clinic (Marshfield), reaching over 700 medical professionals. While in these communities, Dr. Skotko also talks to new and expectant parents about the latest medical advancements for people with Down syndrome.
Interested in bringing a Grand Rounds training to your community? Fill out this form.
Alzheimer’s and Down Syndrome
30-40% of people with Down syndrome receive a diagnosis of dementia by age 50 (The Arc Wisconsin). The best way we as the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin can support individuals who have both Down syndrome and Alzheimers is through education and research. DSAW offers several means to learn about these topics. Trainings and resources are geared for medical professionals, providers, teachers, community members, and parents.
SPEAKER SERIES
DSAW works with national leaders in the Down syndrome/aging field to coordinate a Speaker Series related to Down syndrome and aging/Alzheimer’s disease. Join us at one of our upcoming conferences or seminars about this important topic!
WEBINARS
We have a library of educational webinars presented by professionals in the field of aging, disability, and dementia. Topics include an introduction to dementia, the latest research in Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s, pseudo-dementias in people with Down syndrome, and more. Watch recordings of these webinars from the comfort of your own home by here.
DSAW Webinar Series
DSAW hosts webinars for medical professionals and the general public on Down syndrome, delivering a diagnosis, and more. Check out the webinars page for upcoming dates.
DSAW also has a vast collection of resources that can help you and your family. Check out resources for new parents, expectant parents, other new parent resources, resources by subject, and resources by county for more information.
Medical Professional Resources A-Z
Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin: Supporting people with autism spectrum disorders, their families, professionals
Down Syndrome-Autism Connection: Providing education, support & inspiration for the journey
Autism & Dental Care: A guide for oral treatment
Celiac Disease and Down Syndrome: A guide to Celiac Disease in individuals with Down syndrome
Co-Occuring Conditions: A list of common co-occuring conditions for individuals with Down syndrome
Community Care, Inc: Provides long-term care services to help older adults and adults with disabilities live independently as possible within the community
Dental Care Guidance: A guide for caregivers of dental patients with Down syndrome
Down Syndrome Clinic at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin: Specialists in treating patients with Down syndrome of all ages. The clinic focuses on providing medical care, information and support to meet the needs of people with Down syndrome
Down Syndrome Healthcare Guidelines: Helping define the standards of quality care for individuals with Down syndrome
Down Syndrome Nutrition: Healthy lifestyle coaching with Joan Medlen
Down Syndrome & Nutrients: Research by Saghazadeh (2017)
Growth Charts - DS: These charts can help healthcare providers monitor growth among children with Down syndrome and assess how well a child with Down syndrome is growing when compared to peers with Down syndrome
Gundersen Down Syndrome Clinic (La Crosse): The Down Syndrome Clinic is available to provide comprehensive care for children with Down Syndrome.
Waisman Center Down Syndrome Clinic: The Waisman Center (Madison) provides comprehensive clinical care and support for children with disabilities and their families.
Birth Injury Justice Center: Learning the causes, signs and treatments for birth injuries can empower and guide you as you take action to help your child.
Home Care Delivered: Article discussing Medicaid coverage of breast pumps
Hearing Loss in Children with Down Syndrome: Massachusetts General Hospital resource
Ear, Nose, and Throat Issues and Down Syndrome: National Down Syndrome Society resource
Wisconsin Sound Beginnings: Wisconsin’s Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program, ensuring that all babies born in Wisconsin are screened for hearing loss, receive timely diagnosis of hearing loss and receive quality early intervention.
