Down Syndrome Center Podcast

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 https://www.dsaia.org .   If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cover on the podcast, please send an e-mail to   DownSyn...

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 sugges...

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-mai...

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   DownSyndromeCenter@chp.edu . If you would like to partner with the...

In honor of World Down Syndrome Day, enjoy this roundtable coversation recorded between my brother and his friends!

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 sugges...

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 inform...

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 https://www.jacksbasket.org/ .   If you would li...

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 chal...

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  https://www.chp.edu/our-services/surgery-pediatric/pediatric-surgery-services-we-offer/colorectal-center-for-ch...

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: https://vimeo.com/753072214 Down syndrome innovations https://kcdsi.org If you would like to suggest a top...

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 https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org Prenatal & Newborn Pamphlet: https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/prenatal-testing-pamphlet/ GLOBAL Adult Healthcare Guideline: https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/medical-care-gu...

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 https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/t/down-syndrome/services Association of University Centers on Disabilities https://www.aucd.org/directory/...

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 re...

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 ( https://www.ndss.org ).   If you have a podcast topic you would like us to address, please email DownSyndromeCenter@chp.edu . If you would like to partner with us in the w...

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 https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0901-covid-19-booster.html If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cover on the podcast, please send an e-mail to  DownSyndromeCenter@chp.edu . If you would like to partner with the Down Syndrome C...

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 http://ndsccenter.org . If you have a podcast topic you would like us to address, please send an e-mail to DownSyndromeCenter@chp.edu .  If you would like to partner with the Down Syndrome Center and the work that we do, includ...

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 https://www.amazon.com/Not-Down-Mommy-Antoinette-Scaffidi/ If you have a podcast topic that you would like us to discuss, please reach out at DownSyndromeCenter@ch...

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 DownSyndromeCenter@chp.edu .   If you would like to partner with us in the work of the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please go to https://givetochildrens.org/downsyndromec...

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 https://www.myplate.gov American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics https://www.eatright.org American Heart Association https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating American Diabetes Ass...

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

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 https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com .   To find more information on The Lucky Few Podcast Foundation, go to https://theluckyfewfoundation.org/ .  ...

Rob Snow (creator and founder of The Improvaneers) returns on the podcast to give us an update with how its going on the comedy show, the impacts of COVID, and the vision for the program.  You can get more information on The Improvaneer Method by listening to our prior podcast #61 found at https://downsyndromecenter.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=rob+snow .   To find out if The Improvaneers are coming...

Jen Jacob, Founder and Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN) joined the podcast to talk about their work in the area of information and resource sharing for families. You can get connected to DSDN by going to https://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org .   If you have any topics that you would like us to cover on the podcast, please reach out to me via e-mail at downsyndromecente...

Stephanie Thompson from the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network (NDSAN) joined the podcast today to talk about their work in domestic adoptions for children with Ds in the U.S.   National Down Syndrome Adoption Network http://www.ndsan.org Please e-mail us with any topics you would like us to address on the podcast at DownSyndromeCenter@chp.edu . To partner with our work, including this podcas...