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.
info_outline
#187 - Why Have a Down Syndrome Center?
09/26/2024
#187 - Why Have a Down Syndrome Center?
On this podcast, Dr. Vellody addresses the same question that came in from 2 listeners about the role of a Down Syndrome Center? Why have one? Are there things that happen at a Down Syndrome Center that are not easily done in a regular primary care 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 .
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/33203802
info_outline
#186 - Supplements in Down Syndrome - What Do We Know?
09/12/2024
#186 - Supplements in Down Syndrome - What Do We Know?
Shannon Frizzell, MS, RD, LDN leads our Nutrition team at the Down Syndrome Center of Western PA. She joins the podcast today to answer a listener question on nutritional supplements in 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 .
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/32557632
info_outline
#185 - The Immune System in Down Syndrome
08/29/2024
#185 - The Immune System in Down Syndrome
Dr. Dusan Bogunovic is the Director of the Center for Genetic Errors of Immunity at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. He joined the podcast today to share about the intriguing immune system in people with Down syndrome and their increased risk of inflammation and infection. For more information on Dr. Bogunovic research trial, 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 .
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/32557442
info_outline
#184 - Baby Led Weaning (with Jill Rabin)
08/15/2024
#184 - Baby Led Weaning (with Jill Rabin)
Jill Rabin joined the podcast today to discuss Baby Led Weaning and what that looks like for someone with Down syndrome. For more information: Rabin, Jill, and Gill Rapley. Your Baby Can Self-Feed, Too: Adapted Baby-Led Weaning for Children with Developmental Delays or Other Feeding Challenges. The Experiment, 2022. 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 .
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/32557202
info_outline
#183 - Behavioral Support Services (with Dr. Santamaria)
07/11/2024
#183 - Behavioral Support Services (with Dr. Santamaria)
The Down Syndrome Center of Western Pennsylvania's very own psychologist, Dr. Tarin Santamaria, joined the podcast to help us understand the "alphabet soup" of behavioral support services that are available in the community.
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/31875532
info_outline
#182 - Anesthesia in Down Syndrome, Part 2
06/20/2024
#182 - Anesthesia in Down Syndrome, Part 2
Dr. James Hunt is a pediatric anesthesiologist at Arkansas Children's Hospital. He joined the podcast to discuss specific issues related to anesthesia in Down syndrome. This is Part 2 of the podcast.
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/30564208
info_outline
#181 - Anesthesia in Down syndrome, Part 1
06/06/2024
#181 - Anesthesia in Down syndrome, Part 1
Dr. James Hunt is a pediatric anesthesiologist at Arkansas Children's Hospital. He joined the podcast to discuss specific issues related to anesthesia in Down syndrome. This is Part 1 of the podcast.
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/30564168
info_outline
#180 - Sleep Questions!
05/23/2024
#180 - Sleep Questions!
Dr. Lucy Lubinski is a Sleep Psychologist at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. She joined the podcast today to discuss common sleep related issues in pediatrics and approaches to management. Pediatric Sleep Council 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 .
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/30440263
info_outline
#179 - Exceptional Families of the Military
05/09/2024
#179 - Exceptional Families of the Military
Rebecca Emerson and Austin Carrigg joined the podcast to talk about Exceptional Families of the Military, a 501 c(3) non-profit that helps families who are enrolled in the Department of Defense Exceptional Family Member Program. They discussed what to do when a diagnosis of Down syndrome is received while in the military and available supports and resources available to those families. Exceptional Families of the Military Down Syndrome Diagnosis Netword Military Families Group Military OneSource Center for Parent Information and Resources Ketotic Hypoglycemia International Family Support Group 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 .
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/30429798
info_outline
#178 - John's Crazy Socks!
04/18/2024
#178 - John's Crazy Socks!
John and Mark Cronin joined the podcast today to talk about their world famous sock store called John's Crazy Socks. Listen to the podcast to find out why their mission is about something so much greater than "just socks." For more information about John's Crazy Socks (and to buy your own!), 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 .
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/29775728
info_outline
#177 - Weight Loss Medications and Surgeries
04/04/2024
#177 - Weight Loss Medications and Surgeries
Dr. Vibha Singhal, pediatric endocrinologist, and Dr. Kellen Hayes, bariatric surgeon, joined the podcast to give their thoughts on the latest buzz around weight loss medications and bariatric surgeries. They also give their thoughts specifically on these treatments/management strategies for people 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 .
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/30564078
info_outline
#176 - Happy World Down Syndrome Day 2024!
03/21/2024
#176 - Happy World Down Syndrome Day 2024!
NDSC Board Member and Self-Advocate Craig Blackburn joined the podcast to share about the amazing work that he is doing. He and his mother Pat Ehrle shared about their experiences and what World Down Syndrome Day means to them.
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/30465628
info_outline
#175 - Inflammation in Down Syndrome (with Dr. Joaquin Espinosa)
03/07/2024
#175 - Inflammation in Down Syndrome (with Dr. Joaquin Espinosa)
Dr. Joaquin Espinosa is the Executive Director of the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome at the University of Colorado. He joins the podcast today to discuss his research on inflammation in Down syndrome and how modifications in the immune system can potentially be used in treatment of common disease conditions seen in people with Down syndrome. To learn more about the Human Trisome Project, visit: To learn more about research trials in Down syndrome, 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 .
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/29774873
info_outline
#174 - Dating in Down Syndrome (with Terri Couwenhoven)
02/22/2024
#174 - Dating in Down Syndrome (with Terri Couwenhoven)
Terri Couwenhoven is known internationally for her work as a sex educator specializing in creating programs and resources for people who have intellectual disabilities, their famlies, and the professionals who support them. She rejoined the podcast this week to talk about dating and Down syndrome. For more information on Terri, her amazing resources, book her as a speaker for your group, go to: Resources discussed on the podcast: Dating in Down Syndrome Books by Terri Adult Down Syndrome Center (Advocate Medical Group) National Council on Independent Living 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.
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/29774723
info_outline
#173 - Sexuality and Down Syndrome (with Terri Couwenhoven)
02/08/2024
#173 - Sexuality and Down Syndrome (with Terri Couwenhoven)
Terri Couwenhoven is known internationally for her work as a sex educator specializing in creating programs and resources for people who have intellectual disabilities, their famlies, and the professionals who support them. She has been on the podcast before but joins us again to today for updates on the topic of sexuality and Down syndrome. For more information on Terri, her amazing resources, book her as a speaker for your group, go to: Resources discussed on the podcast: Terri's books! The Healthy Bodies Toolkit Planet Puberty Amaze 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.
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/29774558
info_outline
#172 - Hearing Health in Down Syndrome (with Dr. Heather Porter)
01/25/2024
#172 - Hearing Health in Down Syndrome (with Dr. Heather Porter)
Dr. Heather Porter from Boys Town Research Hospital joined the podcast to discuss hearing health in Down syndrome. This is part 2 of the 2 part 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.
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/28812008
info_outline
#171 - Hearing Health in Down Syndrome (with Dr. Heather Porter)
01/11/2024
#171 - Hearing Health in Down Syndrome (with Dr. Heather Porter)
Dr. Heather Porter from Boys Town Research Hospital joined the podcast to discuss hearing health in Down syndrome. This is part 1 of a 2 part series. 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.
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/28811973
info_outline
#170 - Dementia in Down Syndrome, Part 2 (with Dr. Seth Keller)
12/28/2023
#170 - Dementia in Down Syndrome, Part 2 (with Dr. Seth Keller)
Dr. Seth Keller concludes our discussion on dementia in Down syndrome with part 2 of this 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.
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/28811563
info_outline
#169 - Dementia in Down Syndrome, Part 1 (with Dr. Seth Keller)
12/14/2023
#169 - Dementia in Down Syndrome, Part 1 (with Dr. Seth Keller)
Dr. Seth Keller joined the podcast to share his insights into dementia and Down syndrome. This is part 1 of a 2 part 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.
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/28811388
info_outline
#168 - Year End Update!
11/28/2023
#168 - Year End Update!
Listen as Dr. Vellody reflects on the history of this podcast, the history of the Down Syndrome Center, and looks towards the future for both! To learn more about the Down Syndrome Center, you can 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.
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/28811143
info_outline
#167 - Talk Tools (with Heather Vukelich)
11/16/2023
#167 - Talk Tools (with Heather Vukelich)
Speech language pathologist Heather Vukelich joined the podcast today to inform us about TalkTools and techniques to address feeding and speech clarity in people with Down syndrome. Websites/Resources 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.
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/28673898
info_outline
#166 - Gigi's Playhouse (with Nanci Gianni)
11/02/2023
#166 - Gigi's Playhouse (with Nanci Gianni)
Nancy Gianni, Founder and Chief Belief Officer of Gigi's Playhouse, joined the podcast as part of our "Meet The Nationals" series. Gigi's Playhouse provides free educational, therapeutic-based, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community, through a replicable playhouse model. Their mission and purpose is to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all. For more information on Gigi's Playhouse: Nancy Gianni's book: 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.
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/28277105
info_outline
#165 - Friendship Circle (with Rabbi Mordy Rudolph)
10/19/2023
#165 - Friendship Circle (with Rabbi Mordy Rudolph)
Rabbi Mordy Rudolph joined the podcast to discuss the Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh. This amazing organization was established in 2006 with the intention of creating a more inclusive community. It is a community-based program that brings together people of diverse abilities and interests. Information on the local chapter in Squirrel Hill PA can be found: 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.
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/28276811
info_outline
#164 - Black Down Syndrome Association
10/05/2023
#164 - Black Down Syndrome Association
Kelli Caughman and Crystal Lotterberry, founders of the Black Down Syndrome Association joined the podcast today to share their stories and how they led to the creation of this fantastic organization. For more information, go to . Co Founders General : Website: Instagram: @blackdownsyndrome Public Facebook Page: Private Online Support Group for Black Families: Black Down Syndrome Association PO Box 365 Fortville, Indiana 46040 Zeffy Donation: 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.
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/26896632
info_outline
#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.
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/27029913
info_outline
#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
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/27789765
info_outline
#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.
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/26870301
info_outline
#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.
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/26867088
info_outline
#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.
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/26792457
info_outline
#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.
/episode/index/show/downsyndromecenter/id/27381123