Our Services

Family Support

The Down Syndrome Center of Western Pennsylvania:

• Provides information about Down syndrome
  to new families
• Refers families to support groups for parents, grandparents and siblings
• Offers support to families of children who are recuperating from illness or surgery at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
• Assists families in locating medical, educational, recreation, social and adult services
  

Clinical Services

Clinical services using a preventive approach are available. These services include:

• Comprehensive medical assessments for children and adolescents by a developmental pediatrician
• Referral of patients to specialists who have an interest in meeting the needs of people with Down Syndrome
• Adult service provided by a family practice physician
• Behavioral, psychological and family therapy services provided by a team comprised of a developmental pediatrician and clinical psychologist
  

Resources and Information

The Down Syndrome Center of Western Pennsylvania:

• Has a lending library of books, videos, audio cassettes and periodicals
• Provides current information about Down syndrome to families and professionals
• Maintains a file of articles on issues relating to Down syndrome
• Publishes a quarterly newsletter in conjunction with the Down Syndrome Group of Western Pennsylvania
  

Professional Training

Since the Down Syndrome Center of Western Pennsylvania at Children’s Hospital practices a unique, comprehensive approach to care, the center provides training for pediatric and family medicine residents, social workers, nurses, nurse practitioners, genetic counselors and early intervention professionals.

Research

The center collaborates with the Ohio-Western Pennsylvania Down Syndrome Network, the National Down Syndrome Society and the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group to investigate the clinical problems experienced by individuals with Down Syndrome.