Down Syndrome Center Podcast
This podcast contains information for caregivers and providers regarding Down syndrome. Hosted by Dr. Kishore Vellody, Medical Director of the Down Syndrome Center of Western Pennsylvania and former President of the National Down Syndrome Congress.
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#163 - Aging in Down Syndrome (Life Expectancy, Early Aging, Menopause)
09/21/2023
#163 - Aging in Down Syndrome (Life Expectancy, Early Aging, Menopause)
Dr. Brian Chicoine and Dr. Hannah Graham from the Adult Down Syndrome Center with Advocate Health Care in Park Ridge, Illinois joined the podcast today to discuss a listener question on menopause in Down syndrome. While I had these experts on the podcast, we also discussed other aging related topics in Down syndrome. For more information on the Adult Down Syndrome Center, go to: . To access the Down Syndrome Resource Library, go to: If you are a provider looking to discuss a patient with experts in Down syndrome, consider using Project Echo: To view the latest healthcare guidelines for adults with Down syndrome, go to: If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cover on the podcast, please send an e-mail to . If you would like to partner with the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#162 - Is Homeschooling An Option for Children with Ds? (with LaTaasha Byrd)
09/07/2023
#162 - Is Homeschooling An Option for Children with Ds? (with LaTaasha Byrd)
LaTaasha Byrd joined the podcast today to answer listener questions about homeschooling. Is homeschooling a legitimate option for children with Down syndrome. If so, what are some important considerations that may be unique in this population? Countdown to K Countdown Academy Inclusion is for the Included Book
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#161 - Special Olympics
08/17/2023
#161 - Special Olympics
Gary Cimaglia, Special Olympics North America’s Vice President of Sports, joined the podcast today to give a broad overview of the Special Olympics and how you and your loved ones can be involved. For more information, go to . If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cover on the podcast, please send an e-mail to . If you would like to partner with the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#160 - Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (with Dr. Jon Santoro)
08/03/2023
#160 - Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (with Dr. Jon Santoro)
Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (formerly called Unexplained Regression in Down Syndrome or Down Syndrome Disintegrative Disorder) is a diagnosis that has previously been missed or misdiagnosed in people with Down syndrome. It is a topic in high interest amongst researchers in the field, including today's podcast guest Dr. Jon Santoro from Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. Dr. Santoro gave us a review of the topic as well as current research into the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cover on the podcast, please send an e-mail to . If you would like to partner with the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#159 - Sensory Processing - Part 2 (Sound sensitivity, toothbrushing, haircuts, nail trims)
07/20/2023
#159 - Sensory Processing - Part 2 (Sound sensitivity, toothbrushing, haircuts, nail trims)
Dr. Katie Frank from the Adult Down Syndrome Center in Park Ridge, IL joined the podcast to answer listener questions regarding sound sensitivity, toothbrushing, haircuts, and nail trims. So many people with Down syndrome have sensory difficulties with these tasks and Dr. Frank helped explain her approach to these situations. For fantastic caregiver resources on these types of topics, go to: Some examples of equipment discussed on the podcast: If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cover on the podcast, please send an e-mail to . If you would like to partner with the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#158 - Update on COVID (with Dr. Andy Nowalk)
07/06/2023
#158 - Update on COVID (with Dr. Andy Nowalk)
The official pandemic status may be gone, but COVID still lingers. Listen as Dr. Andy Nowalk shares with us the latest updates on COVID, including the upcoming COVID vaccine boosters.
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#157 - Understanding Grief and Grieving in People with Down Syndrome
06/22/2023
#157 - Understanding Grief and Grieving in People with Down Syndrome
How do we help people with Down syndrome during times of grief and grieving? Dr. Rose Reif, LCMHC, CRC, BC-TMH and owner of Reif Counseling Services, PLLC joined the podcast today to discuss her perspective. For more information on Dr. Reif, go to . For more information on this topic, check out Dr. Reif's book . Dr. Reif's recommended this resource by Fred Rogers as well If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cover on the podcast, please send an e-mail to . If you would like to partner with the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#156 - Behavioral Analysis (with Dr. Stacy Taylor)
06/08/2023
#156 - Behavioral Analysis (with Dr. Stacy Taylor)
Dr. Stacy Taylor, with Advance Behavior and Analysis, is an expert in behavioral analysis and special interest in patients with Down syndrome, joined the podcast to discuss her approach to behavioral questions that we received from you! We discussed inappropriate word usage, dumping behaviors, and scripting among other topics. For more information on Dr. Taylor's practice, including potentially scheduling a visit with the practice, visit . To find a behavioral analyst near you, visit . If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cover on the podcast, please send an e-mail to . If you would like to partner with the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#155 - Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action
05/25/2023
#155 - Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action
As part of our Meet the Nationals series, Sarah Mulligan, Executive Director of Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action joined the podcast to talk about the great work that this organization does with local affiliates all over the country. For more information on DSAIA, see . If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cover on the podcast, please send an e-mail to . If you would like to partner with the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#154 - Bitty and Beau's Coffee Shop
05/11/2023
#154 - Bitty and Beau's Coffee Shop
Ben Wright, co-creator of Bitty and Beau's Coffee along with his wife Amy Wright, joined the podcast today to discuss the motivation behind these amazing coffee shops! There will be a Bitty and Beau's Coffee Shop opening in Pittsburgh soon so we asked Ben to join us to give us some background on why he is so passionate about these shops (and it's not just the coffee!). If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cover on the podcast, please send an e-mail to . If you would like to partner with the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#153 - Improving Tolerance to Device Wearing (hearing aids, glasses, CPAP masks)
04/27/2023
#153 - Improving Tolerance to Device Wearing (hearing aids, glasses, CPAP masks)
Dr. Lina Patel from the Sie Center in Denver joined the podcast again today. Given that facial sensitivites are very common in people with Down syndrome, tolerance to wearing hearing aids, glasses, CPAP masks, etc. can be a challenge. Dr. Patel addressed a listener question on this topic on today's podcast. If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cover on the podcast, please send an e-mail to . If you would like to partner with the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#152 - Addressing Unhealthy Eating Habits (with Shannon Frizzell)
04/13/2023
#152 - Addressing Unhealthy Eating Habits (with Shannon Frizzell)
Unhealthy eating patterns are unfortunately common in people with Down syndrome. On this podcast, dietician Shannon Frizzell joins to discuss a listener question on some engrained eating patterns in their loved one with Down syndrome. If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cover on the podcast, please send an e-mail to . If you would like to partner with the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#151 - A Conversation with Friends - Happy World Down Syndrome Day!
03/21/2023
#151 - A Conversation with Friends - Happy World Down Syndrome Day!
In honor of World Down Syndrome Day, enjoy this roundtable coversation recorded between my brother and his friends!
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#150 - How to Address Throwing Behaviors (with Dr. Tarin Santamaria)
03/01/2023
#150 - How to Address Throwing Behaviors (with Dr. Tarin Santamaria)
Dr. Santamaria rejoins the podcast to address a listener question on throwing behavior. What's the best approach when your child with Down syndrome has a tendency to throw objects? And how do you keep everyone else safe? :) Join us for a conversation on this specific topic as well as general thoughts on behavior management. And keep those listener questions coming! If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cover on the podcast, please send an e-mail to . If you would like to partner with the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#149 - Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (with Dr. Jordan Jones)
02/02/2023
#149 - Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (with Dr. Jordan Jones)
Dr. Jordan Jones is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Pediatric Rheumatologist from Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas CIty, MO. Dr. Jones has a special interest in working with children with Down syndrome and has published numerous articles on this topic. He joined the podcast today to discuss a listener-requested topic on juvenile idiopathic arthritis in Down syndrome. For more information on Dr. Jones, please visit . If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cover on the podcast, please send an e-mail to . If you would like to partner with the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#148 - Jack's Basket (with Carissa Carroll)
01/05/2023
#148 - Jack's Basket (with Carissa Carroll)
Carissa Carroll, Founder and Executive Director of Jack's Basket, joined the podcast today to talk about her story and how it influenced her to create Jack's Basket. This organization serves families all over the world, offering a welcome and congratulations to new families wherever they may be. You can find more information about Jack's Basket at . If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cover on the podcast, please send an e-mail to . If you would like to partner with the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#147 - Forget Me Not - A Powerful Documentary on Inclusive Education
12/15/2022
#147 - Forget Me Not - A Powerful Documentary on Inclusive Education
Award winning Director, Olivier Bernier joined the podcast today to talk about his recently released documentary called Forget Me Not. Part American, part Quebecois, Olivier is also the Co-Founder and Creative Director of the production company, Rota6 Films, specializing in documentary and commercial films. As 3-year-old Emilio prepares to start school, his family finds itself embroiled in a challenge all too common for children with disabilities – to secure the right to an inclusive education. Olivier and his wife Hilda turn the camera on themselves and their child with Down syndrome, as they navigate a byzantine system originally designed to silo children with disabilities. Get more information, including links to the film, at . If there is a topic that you would like us to cover on the podcast, please e-mail me at . If you would like to partner with the work that we are doing at the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#146 - Hirschsprung Disease
12/01/2022
#146 - Hirschsprung Disease
Dr. Kelly Austin, Director of the Colorectal Center for Children at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, joined the podcast to discuss Hirschsprung disease. Seen more commonly in people with Down syndrome, listen to learn more about this important condition. Colorectal Center of Children If there is a topic that you would like us to cover on the podcast, please e-mail me at . If you would like to partner with the work that we are doing at the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit . If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cover on the podcast, please send an e-mail to . If you would like to partner with the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#145 - The Importance of Exercise in Down Syndrome
11/17/2022
#145 - The Importance of Exercise in Down Syndrome
Scott Quaife, NSCA-CPT, Health and Wellness Coordinator with Down Syndrome Innovations in Kansas, joined the podcast to discuss the importance of exercise in Down syndrome and overcoming potential obstacles to reaching exercise goals. For more in-depth information on this topic, please visit: Down syndrome innovations If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cover on the podcast, please send an e-mail to . If you would like to partner with the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#144 - Global Down Syndrome Foundation
11/03/2022
#144 - Global Down Syndrome Foundation
Michelle Sie Whitten from the Global Down Syndrome Foundation joined the podcast today as part of our "Meet the Nationals" series. For more information on Global Down Syndrome Foundation Prenatal & Newborn Pamphlet: GLOBAL Adult Healthcare Guideline: If you have a podcast topic you would like us to address, please send an e-mail to . If you would like to partner with the Down Syndrome Center and the work that we do, including this podcast, please go to . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#143 - Depression, Anxiety, and OCD in Down syndrome
10/20/2022
#143 - Depression, Anxiety, and OCD in Down syndrome
Dr. Anna Esbensen, psychologist with the Thomas Center for Down Syndrome at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, joined the podcast to answer a listener question about psychological issues that are seen in Down syndrome. Thomas Center for Down Syndrome Association of University Centers on Disabilities The National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD) Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome (currently out of print) If you have a question that you would like us to address on the podcast, please send an e-mail to . If you would like to partner with us at the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#142 - Exciting Upcoming Events with DSA Pittsburgh!
10/07/2022
#142 - Exciting Upcoming Events with DSA Pittsburgh!
To celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month, representatives from the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh (DSAP) joined the podcast today to reflect on their experiences as parents as well as highlight the ongoing work of DSAP. The highlight event of the year is the Buddy Walk which is coming up on October 23, 2022 at Schenley Plaza on the University of Pittsburgh campus. Helpful websites related to the podcast discussion today: DSAP: or call/text us 4125659936 Pittsburgh Buddy Walk: First Call Program: or call/text us 4125524972 FB: IG: LinkedIn: Twitter: Shannons blog: If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cover on the podcast, please send an e-mail to . If you would like to partner with the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#141 - National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
09/29/2022
#141 - National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
Kandi Pickard, President and CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society, joined the podcast as part of our series on the national organizations who serve people with Down syndrome. You can find more information about NDSS here (). If you have a podcast topic you would like us to address, please email . If you would like to partner with us in the work of the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#140 - COVID Update - Omicron Boosters!
09/16/2022
#140 - COVID Update - Omicron Boosters!
Dr. Nowalk joined the podcast again to give us a general COVID update and discuss specifically the new Omicron boosters. CDC Statement on Omicron Boosters If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cover on the podcast, please send an e-mail to . If you would like to partner with the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#139 - National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC)
09/02/2022
#139 - National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC)
Jordan Kough, Executive Director of the National Down Syndrome Congress, joined the podcast as part of our "Meet the Nationals" series. To learn more about the NDSC, go to . If you have a podcast topic you would like us to address, please send an e-mail to . If you would like to partner with the Down Syndrome Center and the work that we do, including this podcast, please go to . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#138 - Not Down, Up Mommy (with author Antoinette Scaffidi)
08/11/2022
#138 - Not Down, Up Mommy (with author Antoinette Scaffidi)
Antoinette Scaffidi, author of the children's book Not Down, Up Mommy, joined the podcast to talk about the book and her thoughts on the importance of including children with disabilities in children's books. The book can be found at If you have a podcast topic that you would like us to discuss, please reach out at . If you would like to partner in the work of the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please go to . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#137 - Swallowing Dysfunction and G-tubes
07/28/2022
#137 - Swallowing Dysfunction and G-tubes
Speech language pathologist Sheri Rosen and Pediatric Surgeon Dr. Mike Morowitz joined the podcast to discuss swallow studies and gastrostomy tubes. If you have an idea for a future podcast, please e-mail us at . If you would like to partner with us in the work of the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please go to . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#136 - Healthy Lifestyle Choices Around Food and Exercise
07/14/2022
#136 - Healthy Lifestyle Choices Around Food and Exercise
Shannon Frizzell, registered clinical dietician, joined the podcast today to talk about strategies for healthy weight management in people with Down syndrome. For more information and resources: My Plate American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics American Heart Association American Diabetes Association If there are any topics that you would like us to cover on the podcast, please send an e-mail to . If you would like to join us in the work of the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit . Thank you to “Caring for Kids” The Carrie Martin Fund for its support of the Down Syndrome Center Podcast.
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#135 - COVID Update (Vaccination for Younger Children, Boosters for Older Children)
07/01/2022
#135 - COVID Update (Vaccination for Younger Children, Boosters for Older Children)
Dr. Nowalk rejoins the podcast for an update on the COVID pandemic as it relates to people with Down syndrome. Topics discussed include a general COVID update, COVID vaccine booster doses for children >5 years old, primary COVID vaccination for children <5 years old. If you have a topic that you would like us to discuss on a future podcast, please reach out to . If you would like to join us in the endeavors of the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please consider visiting .
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#134 - The Lucky Few (with Heather Avis)
06/16/2022
#134 - The Lucky Few (with Heather Avis)
Heather Avis, co-host of The Lucky Few podcast joined our podcast today to talk about her journey and vision to "change the narrative" when it comes to how society views Down syndrome. To find more information and subscrie to The Lucky Few Podcast, go to . To find more information on The Lucky Few Podcast Foundation, go to . If you have podcast topics that you would like us to address, please e-mail me at . If you would like to partner with us at the Down Syndrome Center, including supporting this podcast, please go to .
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