Care of Children with Down Syndrome

Children's National Hospital has the only dedicated Down syndrome clinic in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. The clinic is a specialized program coordinated through the Rare Disease Institute.

Improving Quality of Life for Children and Families

Down syndrome is the most common chromosome disorder in infants. Our multidisciplinary team includes experts in treating children with Down syndrome. We provide comprehensive care and help families manage complex medical and developmental needs. Our family-centered approach enables children to reach their full potential and eases stress on families.

Our Role in Your Child's Care:

• The Genetics Clinic at Children's National works with families beginning with prenatal consultations and evaluations with the Fetal Institute team and can assist in coordination of a birth plan and follow up. 
• It is recommended that children with Down syndrome be seen in our general Genetics Clinic within the first three months of life.
• Our team identifies a variety of resources for families, including community programs and local support groups for parents and children.
• We distribute parent education materials and provide culturally sensitive assistance.
• Our providers are experts in treating children with Down syndrome and make sure your child has regular screening tests as well as a timeline for their medical care.  
• We continue to see babies, children and adults who have been diagnosed with Down syndrome over their lifetime. 
• Our multidisciplinary Down syndrome clinic includes a geneticist and a child development specialist for children under three years old with an established diagnosis of Down syndrome.

The clinic's staff works closely with specialists throughout Children's National and referring pediatricians to achieve:

• Comprehensive medical assessment
• Development diagnostic assessment
• Coordination/monitoring of early intervention services
• Emergency newborn consultation at area hospitals on request
• Specialty referrals
• Research into diagnosis and management for children with Down syndrome