CARE Down Syndrome

CARE Down Syndrome logo. National Down Syndrome Society. Stethoscope with a heart.

The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) created CARE Down Syndrome to address a critical gap in healthcare for the Down syndrome community: only about 5% of adults with Down syndrome in the United States have access to specialty clinics equipped to meet their unique healthcare needs. Most individuals, instead, rely on primary care professionals (PCPs) who may not have had access to specialized training in medical school on how to care for adults with Down syndrome. Additionally, an NDSS survey confirms that adult healthcare is one of the top concerns for families, caregivers, and individuals with Down syndrome. Click the button below to visit the CARE Down Syndrome website and learn more.

CARE Down Syndrome

What is CARE Down Syndrome?

A doctor tests a woman with Down syndrome's reflexes

CARE Down Syndrome is a free, online clinical education and resource hub for PCPs and was developed in collaboration with more than 40 national experts, including Brian Chicoine, MD, Medical Director of Advocate Medical Group Adult Down Syndrome Center, and with support from The Linda and Mike Mussallem Foundation.

What Does CARE Down Syndrome Include?

  • Accredited eLearning Course: A two-hour, self-paced course accredited for continuing medical education (CME) credits where PCPs can learn practical strategies for managing the unique healthcare needs of adults with Down syndrome.
  • Reference Articles: A collection of 17 peer-reviewed, topic-specific articles offering additional CME credit for PCPs. Topics include Alzheimer’s disease, weight management, mental health, and more.
  • Resource Library: Nearly 100 patient education handouts and clinical tools to support healthcare professionals in delivering informed, compassionate, and effective care.

All course materials and reference articles have been peer-reviewed by experts and endorsed by both the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group-USA (DSMIG-USA) and the American Academy of Developmental Medicine & Dentistry (AADMD).

Why CARE Matters for Families and Caregivers

By educating healthcare professionals, NDSS is helping close the knowledge gap and improve health outcomes for adults with Down syndrome nationwide. CARE Down Syndrome ensures that your loved one’s doctor has access to the best, most up-to-date resources when providing care.

How You Can Support CARE Down Syndrome

CARE Down Syndrome logo. National Down Syndrome Society. Stethoscope with a heart.