The mission of the Adult Down Syndrome Center is to enhance the well being of adults with Down syndrome by providing comprehensive holistic community based health care services by a multi-disciplinary team.
Now accepting Illinois residents with Down Syndrome who are 12 years and older. Learn more about ourout of state policy.
Down syndrome, the most common of all genetic conditions associated with mental retardation, occurs in approximately one out of every 733 live births, usually causing delays in physical, intellectual and language development. With appropriate ongoing medical care, adults with Down syndrome can lead healthy and productive lives. The Adult Down Syndrome Center is a comprehensive medical resource providing multidisciplinary medical and psychosocial care for adults with Down syndrome, with an emphasis on health promotion.
Visits to the Down Syndrome Center
Prior to an initial visit, a health questionnaire and a release of information form will be sent to the caregiver to establish previous medical history.
During a visit to the Center a thorough physical examination is performed and a complete medical history taken by the physicians or nurse practitioner who specializes in the care of adults with Down syndrome. Each patient visits with a social worker. Laboratory tests will be performed in the Center. X-rays, hearing, nutrition and consultations with specialists can be arranged. A comprehensive summary report is later mailed.
Multi-disciplinary team includes:
Physicians and nurse practitioner who provide medical services
Clinical therapist who provides psychosocial services
A registered and licensed dietitian who provides nutritional counseling
Patient representative who schedules appointments and provides reception services
Certified medical assistant who assists with medical care
Advocacy and outreach specialists who provide support and serve as liaisons to the community support networks
Practice manager who coordinates the above services
The National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS) is an integral part of the team and has an office and a library of books, magazines and audio visual resources., which are available for loan to NADS members, patients of the Adult Down Syndrome Center and their families or caregivers.
Additional Services
Through collaboration with the National Association for Down Syndrome, outreach programs are available to provide support to patients and families and also focus on our patients who are unable to leave home or need additional advocacy services at their home or workplace.
Down syndrome, the most common of all genetic conditions associated with mental retardation, occurs in approximately one out of every 733 live births, usually causing delays in physical, intellectual and language development. With appropriate ongoing medical care, adults with Down syndrome can lead healthy and productive lives. The Adult Down Syndrome Center is a comprehensive medical resource providing multidisciplinary medical and psychosocial care for adults with Down syndrome, with an emphasis on health promotion.
