The Trisomy 21 Program
Established in 2003, the Trisomy 21 Program at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia assesses the developmental, behavioral and health needs of children and young adults with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). Our multidisciplinary team supports families by providing educational material, recommendations and ongoing treatment.
Initial appointments
Your child's first appointments in our clinic will focus on a thorough evaluation. We will:
- Discuss any concerns you have about your child
- Review your child's history (medical problems, developmental and behavioral issues, educational placements, therapies)
- Make sure your child is up-to-date on all recommended testing
- Conduct developmental testing
- Perform a physical examination
- Review recent testing your child has had
- Discuss the evaluation findings with you
- Recommend further testing, therapies or educational programming
Patients over the age of 18 are evaluated through the division of neurology and assessed from a neurological and social/vocational perspective. A full medical history and physical examination are preformed to ensure that all recommended testing for individuals with Trisomy 21 have been addressed. Social issues are managed as they arise and may include guidance on transitions to adulthood, employment, creative living options, sexuality, and issues surrounding aging adults with Trisomy 21. New neurological problems will be evaluated as they arise.
The care team
Because Children's Hospital is a teaching institution, we educate doctors in training about the needs of children with Down syndrome. Your child may initially be seen by a fellow training in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics or the clinic's nurse practitioner. Both are supervised by the Trisomy 21 Program's developmental-behavioral pediatrician or neurologist. Other health professional trainees may also observe our doctors in the Trisomy 21 clinic.
Additional consultations
The Trisomy 21 Program team has easy access to the many subspecialties at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. We will refer your child to them as needed, based upon our evaluation findings.
Research
Our research efforts help us to better understand Trisomy 21. Current studies focus on the biologic basis of Down syndrome, medical and neurodevelopmental consequences, and effective interventions. We will keep you abreast of any ongoing research that could benefit your child.
Appointments
To make an appointment, please call 267-426-5283.
Directions
For door-to-door directions to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, visit our directions page.
Contact Us
- 267-426-5283
- Contact Us Online
- Request an Appointment
