Down Syndrome Clinic

WHAT IS DOWN SYNDROME?
Down syndrome is the most common human chromosome disorder.  Each year approximately 100 babies born in Missouri have Down syndrome. Children with Down syndrome have developmental delays and some degree of mental retardation.  Approximately half of children with Down syndrome are born with a heart defect, intestinal malformations, or other birth defects.   
 

WHAT CAUSES DOWN SYNDROME?
Down syndrome is caused by an extra number 21 chromosome.  This is usually due to an error in chromosomal division that occurs before conception.  This error occurs by chance, therefore nothing you did caused it to happen and there was nothing you could have done to prevent it.  The incidence of Down syndrome does increase as the mother’s age increase.
 

KIDS WILL BE KIDS
It is important to remember that your child will be unique and develop his/her own personality and abilities. Most individuals with Down syndrome lead active, happy, healthy and productive lives.   A loving environment, good preventative medical care and early interventional services contribute to individuals reaching their fullest potential. 
 

MEDICAL CONCERNS
Good preventative medical care is important for individuals with Down syndrome as they are at an increased risk for infections and other medical problems such as thyroid disease, vision problems and hearing loss. 
 

DOWN SYNDROME CLINIC
This clinic is designed specifically to meet the needs of children with Down syndrome and their families.   The clinic is staffed by Pediatric Geneticists and Genetic Counselors who work in conjunction with specialists in Ophthalmology, Audiology, ENT, Nutrition, Development, Child Psychiatry, Psychology, Endocrinology, Neurology, Orthopedics, Pulmonary specialists, Immunology  and Cardiology.   These specialists work with your local pediatrician to provide the optimum medical care. 

Active medical surveillance is designed to prevent and successfully treat complications related to Down syndrome.  Our staff monitors the speech, development and school progress to ensure each child reaches their fullest potential. 

Each clinic is staffed by a Down syndrome parent advocate from the Mid-Missouri Down Syndrome Parent Support Group. 

Clinic is held on the third Thursday of every month in the University Physicians Medical Building (click link for map) located at 1101 Hospital Drive.  For more information please call 573-884-6735 and to schedule an appointment please call 573-882-6921.
 

CLINIC STAFF

Geneticists:    
Stephen Braddock, M.D.
Judith Miles, M.D., Ph.D

Genetic Counselors:
Janda Buchholz, M.S.
Jennifer Kussmann, M.S
Dawn Peck, M.S.

Parent advocates:
Volunteers from the Mid-Missouri Down Syndrome Association parent support group

LINKS TO HELPFUL WEBSITES:

Association for children with Down syndrome: http://www.acds.org/

Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati:  http://www.dsagc.com/

Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis: http://www.stlouisdsa.org/

Down Syndrome Research Foundation:  http://www.dsrf.org/

National Association for Down Syndrome:  http://www.nads.org/

National Down Syndrome Congress:  http://www.ndsccenter.org/

National Down Syndrome Society Welcome:  http://www.ndss.org/

Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City: http://www.kcdsg.org/index.php

Riverbend Down Syndrome Parent Support: http://www.altonweb.com/cs/downsyndrome/index.htm?page=parent.html

Division of Medical Genetics
University of Missouri Health Care
One Hospital Drive
Columbia, Missouri  65212
phone: 573-882-6991
fax: 573-884-3543