Down Syndrome Program

When your child has Down syndrome, your relationship with his or her pediatrician goes beyond regular checkups and sick visits. Your child needs extra care that is focused on his or her unique medical needs. This includes everything from therapy to help your child reach developmental milestones, to specialized care for conditions such as congenital heart defects and vision disorders.

At the Down Syndrome Program, part of Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, our team is focused on providing the care your child needs to achieve his or her full potential. We connect your child with a developmental pediatrician who assesses all of his or her medical needs and provides referrals to the right pediatric specialists. With the help of our social worker and child life specialist, we also provide guidance and support for the entire family.

Conditions We Treat

Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21 or T21, occurs when an extra chromosome is present during fetal development. This affects how your baby’s body and brain develop while in the womb. Children with Down syndrome typically have varying levels of intellectual ability, developmental and behavioral concerns, and weak muscle tone. They are also at increased risk for several other health conditions, including the following:

• blood disorders, including anemia and leukemia
• congenital heart defects
• ear infections and hearing loss
• intestinal blockage
• obstructive sleep apnea
• refractive errors that affect vision, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism
• structural eye disorders, including nasolacrimal (tear) duct obstruction and keratoconus, which causes the cornea to thin and affects vision

During your child’s first visit at the Down Syndrome Program, he or she receives a complete medical evaluation. As needed, we refer your child for care with our specialists from the Pediatric Congenital Heart Program, Pediatric Gastroenterology Program, Clinical Genetics Services, NYU Langone Eye Center, and Stephen D. Hassenfeld Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, as well as specialists in otolaryngology or pediatric orthopedic surgery.

Your child’s doctor also determines any additional support he or she may need, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech–language pathology, nutrition guidance, and social work services. Our experts also provide educational testing and help families find the best school setting for their children.

We care for children from birth through age 24, and aim to be the hub of your child’s healthcare as he or she grows into adulthood.