Down Syndrome Clinic

The Down Syndrome Clinic at Nationwide Children's Hospital is a family-centered clinic providing diagnostic and treatment services to children and adolescents with Down syndrome and their families.

Families are linked with medical, educational, social and financial supports in their communities as indicated and resources identified to assist them in meeting the unique needs of their child.

Our team of developmental pediatricians, psychologists, geneticists and advanced practice nurses maintain a close working relationship with the child’s primary care physician throughout their care.

New Patients

Now you can schedule appointments and second opinions online with a provider, time and location that is most convenient, or call (614) 722-6200.

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Existing Patients

If your child is already a patient within the Down Syndrome Clinic, you can schedule follow-up appointments right in MyChart or call (614) 722-6200.

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Sign Up for MyChart

Signing up for MyChart is easy, and it's free. Use MyChart to schedule appointments, view lab results, refill prescriptions and more.

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Referring Physicians

We're one team. Our physician resources make referring your patients to our experts fast, seamless and ensures the highest quality of care.

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Can't Find What You're Looking For?

If you are unable to schedule your next appointment through MyChart, fill out our online Request an Appointment form and a member of our scheduling team will be happy to assist you.

Services We Offer

Services are covered by most insurance providers. To expedite insurance coverage we recommend a referral be sent to the clinic by the patient's primary care physician.

  • Comprehensive evaluation — Monitoring for feeding difficulty in infants, atlantoaxial instability and signs of celiac disease
  • Assessments for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Autism Spectrum Disorders in individuals with Down syndrome
  • Lab and radiology assessments, including recommended health supervision screening and focusing on individual concerns
  • Behavior management counseling for families whose children are experiencing behavioral difficulties

Reasons to Call

Please notify the Down Syndrome Clinic or your child’s pediatrician for the following symptoms:  
  • Changes in gait
  • Changes in use of arms or legs
  • Changes in bowel or bladder habits
  • New onset of snoring
  • New onset of apnea when sleeping or new onset of sleepiness during the day
  • New behavior or learning concerns

Resources

If your family is in a crisis situation and needs immediate help, please call your county’s mental health crisis number.

In Franklin County, call (614) 722-1800 for youth and adolescents 17 and under. Ages 18 and older should call (614) 276-2273.

Down Syndrome Associations

Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio
To support families, promote community involvement and encourage a lifetime of opportunities for people with Down Syndrome.

Down Syndrome Achieves
Championing the development of critical research initiatives for Down syndrome and accelerating breakthrough discoveries.

The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC)
The mission of the NDSC is to provide information, advocacy and support concerning all aspects of life for individuals with Down syndrome.

National Down Syndrome Society
Committed to being the national leader in enhancing the quality of life, and realizing the potential of all people with Down Syndrome.

Fact Sheet

Guidelines

Books

  • Teaching Reading to Children with Down Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Teachers. Patricia Oelwein
  • Teaching Math to People with Down Syndrome and Other Hands-On Learners – Basic Survival Skills . DeAnna Horstmeier
  • Helping Children with Down Syndrome Communicate Better – Speech and Language Skills for Ages 6-14 . Libby Kumin
  • The Guide to Good Health for Teens and Adults with Down Syndrome. Brian Chicoine & Dennis McGuire
  • Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome. Dennis McGuire & Brian Chicoine
  • The Down Syndrome Transition Handbook. Jo Ann Simmons
  • Teaching Children with Down Syndrome about Their Bodies, Boundaries, and Sexuality. Terri Couwenhoven