Down Syndrome Program | Patient Resources
The Down Syndrome Program is proud to offer many opportunities outside of the clinic to help support development and learning, health and wellness, and community building. These programs inspire families to think positively and brightly about the future of their children.
Development and learning
Literacy campaign
To promote reading, we are providing all children who come to Boston Children’s with a new book and literacy tip sheet. We are also starting the very first Boston affiliate of the Next Chapter Book Club for teens and young adults withDown syndrome.
‘Mae’s Market’
We have a virtual store, “Mae’s Market,” that allows us to provide families with items and materials to promote development, such as honey bear cups, Signing Times DVDs, and educational resources such as flashcards and early learning materials at no cost. In addition to distributing Signing Times DVDs to families, we offer an annual Introduction to Sign Language workshop.
Allen C. Crocker Speaker Series
The Down Syndrome Program offers the Allen C. Crocker Speaker Series, a series of webinars on a range of topics related to Down syndrome. These talks are simultaneously webcast and recorded, and then are archived for future viewing. Please find archived talks below.
Health and wellness
DS-Fit
DS-Fitis an eight-week fitness program for teenagers with Down syndrome with small group fitness classes and a home fitness program.
Complex Needs Parent Support Group
The Complex Needs Parent Support Group is co-hosted by our program and the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress. This group for parents of children with complex medical, neurodevelopmental, and mental health needs meets every other month virtually.
Yoga
Emily Davidson, MD, teaches a virtual inclusive yoga class for children with Down syndrome and their siblings and friends on Thursdays at 5 p.m.
Resources and guides
- Boston Children’s Hospital Down Syndrome Program brochure
- Health Care Guidelines for Children with Down Syndrome (EnglishandSpanish)
- Boston Children’s Hospital Down Syndrome Program Resource Guide (EnglishandSpanish)
- Behavior guide
- Down syndrome and autism resources
- Toilet training guide
- Early communication guide
- Sleep study social story
- Down syndrome and infantile spasms
