Down Syndrome Center Of Western Pennsylvania Podcast

Dr. Andrew McCormick, Director of the Transition Program at the Down Syndrome Center, joined the podcast to discuss the difference between power of attorney and guardianship.  If there are any topics you would like us to discuss on the podcast, please e-mail us at DownSyndromeCenter@chp.edu. To partner with the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit  https://www.givetochildrens.org/downsyndromecenter

In honor of World Down Syndrome Day, I have chosen to re-release my favorite podcast episode with 3 very special guests!  Enjoy! If there are any topics you would like us to discuss on the podcast, please e-mail us at DownSyndromeCenter@chp.edu. If you would like to partner with us, including this podcast, please visit https://www.givetochildrens.org/downsyndromecenter

Friend of the podcast, Dr. Andy Nowalk rejoins the podcast to give us his thoughts on the COVID pandemic.  Questions surrounding the current status of Omicron, need for masking, vaccine timing for younger children are all addressed on today's podcast. If there are any topics that you would like us to discuss on the podcast, please e-mail us at DownSyndromeCenter@chp.edu.   If you would like to partner with us, including this podcast, please visit https://www.givetochildrens.org/downsyndromecenter.

The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) Convention is back in person this summer, June 23-26, 2022, in New Orleans, Louisiana!  Dr. Vellody was joined by NDSC representatives Tamara Pursley (Programs and Partnerships Director) and Jordan Kough (Executive Director) to discuss what we can expect at this year's NDSC Convention.  Registration is open now.  Go to https://www.ndsccenter.org/annual-convention/register-now/ to reserve your spot today!   If you have topics that you would like us to cover on the podcast, please send a message to us and DownSyndromeCenter@chp.edu.  We read every message and many of our podcasts come from your suggestions! If you would like to partner with us at the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit https://givetochildrens.org/downsyndromecenter.   

Singer and songwriter Jesse Norell joined Dr. Vellody on the podcast to share about his passion for music and how his new album tells about his journey with his daughter. And be sure to check out this news story on the album: https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2022/01/20/aorta-borealis-jesse-norell-down-syndrome/ Jesse Norell – Aorta Borealis Links: Website: www.jessenorell.com The Lucky Few Music Video: https://youtu.be/ywpoLXqU5TI Together Lyric Video: https://youtu.be/fnVlO-lEdkA Pre-save Link (Spotify and iTunes): https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/jessenorell/aorta-borealis CD Preorder: www.jessenorell.com/store Website: www.jessenorell.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessenorell/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JesseNorellMusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzTAL1WlRn7ovkPN__WPxbw TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessenorell Patreon: www.patreon.com/jessenorell Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesseNorell Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3habatC4YQIR3elUirJ1J8 Apple M

Dr. Vellody was joined by Sue Buckley on the podcast to discuss education in Down syndrome, specifically discussing speech, reading, and math skills.  Sue Buckley is a leading expert in education and development for young people with Down syndrome. Sue began research examining early reading instruction for children with Down syndrome in 1980 and founded Down Syndrome Education International in 1986. Her research and contributions to the lives of young people with Down syndrome has been widely recognized through numerous awards. Down Syndrome Education International Down Syndrome Education International (dseinternational.org) DSEI/NDSS Guidelines for Inclusive Education Inclusive Education Guidelines - NDSS If you have benefitted from these podcasts and would like to partner with us, please visit https://www.givetochildrens.org/downsyndromecenter

Dr. Vellody and Dr. Nowalk discuss the latest on the COVID-19 Omicron variant and then answer listener questions on the COVID vaccine. Please consider supporting the work of the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, by visiting https://www.givetochildrens.org/downsyndromecenter. 

ID specialist and friend of the podcast, Dr. Andy Nowalk, joins the podcast to discuss the latest on COVID, including the Omicron variant. Please consider supporting the work of the Down Syndrome Center of Western Pennsylvania at https://givetochildrens.org/downsyndromecenter. 

Dr. Peter Bulova joins the podcast today to discuss myths and facts about Alzheimer disease in Down syndrome.   Adult Down Syndrome Center Adult Down Syndrome Center of Western Pennsylvania | UPMC Please consider partnering in the work of the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, by going to http://www.givetochildrens.org/downsyndromecenter.  Thank you!

Tom Sannicandro joined the podcast today to share his expertise on college options available for people with Down syndrome. Think College Home | Think College Special Needs Trusts OnlineSpecial Needs Trust and Estate Plans to Guarantee Your Child's Future (specialneedstrustsonline.com) Partner with Us!http://www.givetochildrens.org/downsyndromecenter  

Erica Balint, outreach coordinator for The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers, Inc., joined the podcast today to discuss Early Intervention Services for young children.  What are early intervention services and how might they benefit children with Down syndrome?  Listen to find out! For more information on Early Intervention Services in Pennsylvania, go to: Early Intervention (pa.gov) The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers HOME | The Alliance (afit.org) To partner in the efforts of the Down Syndrome Center: Down Syndrome Center is fundraising for Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation (justgiving.com)

Dr. Andy Nowalk joins the podcast again today to discuss the latest news in COVID as it relates to people with Down syndrome.  The podcast highlights the release of the COVID vaccine for 5-11 year olds and discusses booster doses for people with Ds over 18 years old.   You can partner with us in our service to the community, including this podcast, by going to http://www.givetochildrens.org/downsyndromecenter  

Dr. Stephanie Santoro with the Mass General Down Syndrome Program joined the podcast to discuss a relatively newly recognized condition called by several names including Unexplained Regression in Down Syndrome (URDS), Down Syndrome Disintegrative Disorder (DSDD), or Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD).  Dr. Santoro will discuss the signs of the condition and the treatment options currently being found to be helpful in the latest research. More Information https://www.nature.com/articles/s41436-019-0706-8 Does My Loved One with Down Syndrome Have This Condition?  Check Out This Regression Checklisthttps://static-content.springer.com/esm/art%3A10.1038%2Fs41436-019-0706-8/MediaObjects/41436_2019_706_MOESM2_ESM.docx Find a Regional Down Syndrome Center Near You Down Syndrome Clinic Listing | National Down Syndrome Congress (ndsccenter.org)

Selective (or "Picky") eaters are common in Pediatrics.  Many parents receive advice on how to manage but what does the data show?  Ann Meyers from Clinical Nutrition and Sarah Rossman from Occupational Therapy joined the podcast today to discuss this very important topic. Resources Tips for Feeding Picky Eaters - HealthyChildren.org Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense, Revised and Updated Edition: Satter, Ellyn: 8601419522477: Amazon.com: Books Fearless Feeding: How to Raise Healthy Eaters From High Chair to High School: Jacobsen, Maryann, Castle, Jill: 9781732866201: Amazon.com: Books Join Us!If you would like to partner in the work of the Down Syndrome Center, please visit http://www.givetochildrens.org/downsyndrome.  Thank you! Podcast photo credit: Getty Images

World-reknowned expert and author on mental health and wellness in people with Down syndrome, Dennis McGuire, joined the podcast today to talk about common (and usually normal) behaviors in older children and adults with Down syndrome. RESOURCES Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome (Book) Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome: A Guide to Emotional and Behavioral Strengths and Challenges - Woodbine House If People with Down Syndrome Ruled the World (Essay) National Association for Down Syndrome | If People with Down Syndrome Ruled the World (nads.org) If you have benefitted from this podcast, please consider partnering in the work of the Down Syndrome Center at: http://www.givetochildrens.org/downsyndrome.

Dr. Tarin Santamaria, PsyD, NCSP, is the clinical psychologist for our Down Syndrome Center of Western Pennsylvania.  She joined the podcast today to discuss how to assess and approach behaviors in school-aged children with Down syndrome. Please consider partnering in the work of the Down Syndrome Center by visiting http://www.givetochildrens.org/downsyndrome 

Dr. Nowalk joined to talk about the Delta variant outbreak and the potential impact for people with Down syndrome. Pittsburgh Vaccine Trials Unit https://covid19research.pitt.edu/pvtu CDC COVID Data https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Helen Milligan, physical therapist with the Trisomy 21 Program at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, joined the podcast to answer a listener question regarding physical therapy in the school aged child.

Dr. Nowalk joined the podcast to discuss return to school for 2021 and ways that it looks different than even last year.  

Dr. Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L, joined the podcast today to talk about sensory processing difficulties in people with Ds and therapeutic approaches. Resources: http://adscresources.advocatehealth.com Mental wellness in Ds book Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome: A Guide to Emotional and Behavioral Strengths and Challenges: Dennis McGuire, Brian Chicoine: 9781606132852: Amazon.com: Books Out of Sync Child Series The Out-of-Sync Child Series (3 books) Kindle Edition (amazon.com) Sensational Kids Lucy Miller Amazon.com : sensational child STAR Institute Sensory Processing - STAR Institute (sensoryhealth.org)