Down Syndrome Center Podcast
Episodes
#215 - Speech Clarity
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jennifer Gray is a speech language pathologist (SLP) who works at Gray Speak Therapy (http://grayspeaktherapy.com). She joined the podcast to talk a...
#214 - Hip Issues in Down syndrome (with Dr. Ricki Koehler)
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Ricki Koehler was the lead author on a recent article looking at Down syndrome and hip dysplasia and dislocations. Dr. Koehler joined the podcas...
#213 - REACH - Serving Children with Hirschsprung Disease
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Isabelles Schnadig and Ashley Matthews from REACH (Research, Education, Advocacy for Children with Hirschsprung disease) joined the podcast to talk ab...
#212 - Cholesterol in Down syndrome - Should we worry about it?
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Brian Chicoine from the Adult Down Syndrome Center in Chicago joined the podcast again today, this time to discuss a listener question on choleste...
#211 - What To Know If Your Child Is Admitted To A Hospital
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Kristie Marble is a pediatric hospital medicine physician at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, MO. She joined the podcast to discuss rea...
#210 - Hey "Device," Do You Understand Me?
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Laura Mattie and Alex Barkhimer from the school of Speech and Hearing Science at the University of Illinois joined the podcast to talk about the exci...
#209 - Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership (PEAL) Center
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meredith Peterson joined the podcast to talk about the Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership (PEAL) Center. Since 2005, the PEAL Center has been co...
#208 - Advocacy Alert! (Part 2) - Medicaid Changes
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's tough to keep up with all the changes going on at the Federal level or understand how that might impact people with Down syndrome in our local ar...
#207 - Advocacy Alert! (Part 1) - IDEA, Federal Changes, Dept of Education
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's tough to keep up with all the changes going on at the Federal level or understand how that might impact people with Down syndrome in our local ar...
Red Down Mexico (English)
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Paola Vidal Rojo from Red Down Mexico joined the podcast to discuss the organization and the work being done in Mexico to provide healthcare for...
Red Down México (Spanish)
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
La Dra. Paola Vidal Rojo, de Red Down México, se unió al podcast para hablar sobre la organización y el trabajo que se realiza en México para brin...
#206 - Mental Health in Mosaic Down Syndrome
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Ruth Brown-Ennis joined the podcast again, this time to discuss the latest research on mental health issues seen in people with mosaic Down syndro...
#205 - Update on Sleep Apnea
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Rachel Whelan and Dr. Ryan Soose joined the podcast today to discuss sleep apnea in both children and adults with Down syndrome. The podcast dis...
#204 - Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG) and Project Echo
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Brian Chicoine joined the podcast to talk about the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG) and Project Echo. For more information on DSMI...
#203 - Child Life Specialists
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Child life specialists are specially trained to prepare children and family members for medical experiences and teach techniques to help reduce stress...
#202 - Reflections From An Adult Sibling
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Author Debbie Miller joined the podcast today to discuss her life experiences with her sibling Rick. Debbie has written a memoir called Raising Rick...
#201 - Shoes and Orthotics (with Dr. Sarah Mann)
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Sarah Mann joined the podcast today to discuss foot issues in Down syndrome and the role for supportive shoes and orthotics. For more informati...
#200 - The Next Generation!
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In honor of the 200th episode of the podcast, three very special guests joined the podcast today to share their memories and the impact that their Unc...
#199 - Update on Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD)
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Robyn Filipink, part of our Down Syndrome Center team, joined the podcast to talk about the latest information on Down Syndrome Regression Disorde...
#198 - Happy World Down Syndrome Day!
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Happy World Down Syndrome Day! Hug that special someone with Down syndrome who you love today! If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cov...
#197 - National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC)
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Executive Director of the National Down Syndrome Congress, Jim Hudson, joined the podcast to talk about the upcoming NDSC Convention and let us kn...
#196 - Advocacy 101
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Advocating for your loved one with Down syndrome can sometimes feel overwhelming. Where do you start? How do you do it effectively? Mitch Rothho...
#195 - 2025 Update - Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh!
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cherese Sandrock (Executive Director) and Greg Coni (Board President) of the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh joined the podcast today to let u...
#194 - Mental Health Therapy in Down Syndrome
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Susan Fawcett, PhD, RSLP is the Director or Therapy, Behaviour, and Family Support at the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation (https://www.dsrf.org/...
#193 - Personalized Medicine in Down syndrome?
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Joaquin Espinosa of the Linda Crnic Institute joined the podcast again today to answer a listener question on a recent scientific study published ...
#192 - Year End Guest!
26 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
To commemorate the year-end of 2024, Liz Sattler joined us on the podcast. Liz is a self-advocate who has worked in our Down Syndrome Center for man...
#191 - Cardiac Surgery
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Victor Morell, Chief of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh joined the podcast to talk about cardiac...
#190 - Immunizations in Down Syndrome
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Diane Langkamp is the Director of the Down Syndrome Program at Akron Children's Hospital. She joined the podcast to discuss immunizations in peo...
#189 - Buddy Up For Life
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Gibson (Executive Director & Founder) and Allison Davis (Program Director) from Buddy Up For Life joined the podcast today to talk about their am...
#188 - How Does Provider Bias Affect Delivery of the Diagnosis of Ds?
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Stephanie Meredith from the University of Kentucky joined the podcast today to talk about her recently published studies showing how bias affects ...
#187 - Why Have a Down Syndrome Center?
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this podcast, Dr. Vellody addresses the same question that came in from 2 listeners about the role of a Down Syndrome Center? Why have one? Are...
#186 - Supplements in Down Syndrome - What Do We Know?
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Shannon Frizzell, MS, RD, LDN leads our Nutrition team at the Down Syndrome Center of Western PA. She joins the podcast today to answer a listener q...
#185 - The Immune System in Down Syndrome
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Dusan Bogunovic is the Director of the Center for Genetic Errors of Immunity at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. He joined the ...
#184 - Baby Led Weaning (with Jill Rabin)
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jill Rabin joined the podcast today to discuss Baby Led Weaning and what that looks like for someone with Down syndrome. For more information: Rabin...
#183 - Behavioral Support Services (with Dr. Santamaria)
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Down Syndrome Center of Western Pennsylvania's very own psychologist, Dr. Tarin Santamaria, joined the podcast to help us understand the "alphabet...
#182 - Anesthesia in Down Syndrome, Part 2
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. James Hunt is a pediatric anesthesiologist at Arkansas Children's Hospital. He joined the podcast to discuss specific issues related to anesthes...
#181 - Anesthesia in Down syndrome, Part 1
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. James Hunt is a pediatric anesthesiologist at Arkansas Children's Hospital. He joined the podcast to discuss specific issues related to anesthes...
#180 - Sleep Questions!
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Lucy Lubinski is a Sleep Psychologist at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. She joined the podcast today to discuss common sleep related issues ...
#179 - Exceptional Families of the Military
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rebecca Emerson and Austin Carrigg joined the podcast to talk about Exceptional Families of the Military, a 501 c(3) non-profit that helps families wh...
#178 - John's Crazy Socks!
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
John and Mark Cronin joined the podcast today to talk about their world famous sock store called John's Crazy Socks. Listen to the podcast to find o...
#177 - Weight Loss Medications and Surgeries
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Vibha Singhal, pediatric endocrinologist, and Dr. Kellen Hayes, bariatric surgeon, joined the podcast to give their thoughts on the latest buzz ar...
#176 - Happy World Down Syndrome Day 2024!
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
NDSC Board Member and Self-Advocate Craig Blackburn joined the podcast to share about the amazing work that he is doing. He and his mother Pat Ehrle...
#175 - Inflammation in Down Syndrome (with Dr. Joaquin Espinosa)
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Joaquin Espinosa is the Executive Director of the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome at the University of Colorado. He joins the podcast to...
#174 - Dating in Down Syndrome (with Terri Couwenhoven)
22 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Terri Couwenhoven is known internationally for her work as a sex educator specializing in creating programs and resources for people who have intellec...
#173 - Sexuality and Down Syndrome (with Terri Couwenhoven)
08 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Terri Couwenhoven is known internationally for her work as a sex educator specializing in creating programs and resources for people who have intellec...
#172 - Hearing Health in Down Syndrome (with Dr. Heather Porter)
25 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Heather Porter from Boys Town Research Hospital joined the podcast to discuss hearing health in Down syndrome. This is part 2 of the 2 part podc...
#171 - Hearing Health in Down Syndrome (with Dr. Heather Porter)
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Heather Porter from Boys Town Research Hospital joined the podcast to discuss hearing health in Down syndrome. This is part 1 of a 2 part series...
#170 - Dementia in Down Syndrome, Part 2 (with Dr. Seth Keller)
28 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Seth Keller concludes our discussion on dementia in Down syndrome with part 2 of this podcast. If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cove...
#169 - Dementia in Down Syndrome, Part 1 (with Dr. Seth Keller)
14 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Seth Keller joined the podcast to share his insights into dementia and Down syndrome. This is part 1 of a 2 part podcast. If you would like to s...
#168 - Year End Update!
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Listen as Dr. Vellody reflects on the history of this podcast, the history of the Down Syndrome Center, and looks towards the future for both! To le...
#167 - Talk Tools (with Heather Vukelich)
16 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Speech language pathologist Heather Vukelich joined the podcast today to inform us about TalkTools and techniques to address feeding and speech clarit...
#166 - Gigi's Playhouse (with Nanci Gianni)
02 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Nancy Gianni, Founder and Chief Belief Officer of Gigi's Playhouse, joined the podcast as part of our "Meet The Nationals" series. Gigi's Playhouse ...
#165 - Friendship Circle (with Rabbi Mordy Rudolph)
19 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rabbi Mordy Rudolph joined the podcast to discuss the Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh. This amazing organization was established in 2006 with the ...
#164 - Black Down Syndrome Association
05 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Kelli Caughman and Crystal Lotterberry, founders of the Black Down Syndrome Association joined the podcast today to share their stories and how they l...
#163 - Aging in Down Syndrome (Life Expectancy, Early Aging, Menopause)
21 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Brian Chicoine and Dr. Hannah Graham from the Adult Down Syndrome Center with Advocate Health Care in Park Ridge, Illinois joined the podcast toda...
#162 - Is Homeschooling An Option for Children with Ds? (with LaTaasha Byrd)
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
LaTaasha Byrd joined the podcast today to answer listener questions about homeschooling. Is homeschooling a legitimate option for children with Down...
#161 - Special Olympics
17 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Gary Cimaglia, Special Olympics North America's Vice President of Sports, joined the podcast today to give a broad overview of the Special Olympics an...
#160 - Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (with Dr. Jon Santoro)
03 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (formerly called Unexplained Regression in Down Syndrome or Down Syndrome Disintegrative Disorder) is a diagnosis th...
#159 - Sensory Processing - Part 2 (Sound sensitivity, toothbrushing, haircuts, nail trims)
20 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Katie Frank from the Adult Down Syndrome Center in Park Ridge, IL joined the podcast to answer listener questions regarding sound sensitivity, too...
#158 - Update on COVID (with Dr. Andy Nowalk)
06 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The official pandemic status may be gone, but COVID still lingers. Listen as Dr. Andy Nowalk shares with us the latest updates on COVID, including t...
#157 - Understanding Grief and Grieving in People with Down Syndrome
22 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How do we help people with Down syndrome during times of grief and grieving? Dr. Rose Reif, LCMHC, CRC, BC-TMH and owner of Reif Counseling Services...
#156 - Behavioral Analysis (with Dr. Stacy Taylor)
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Stacy Taylor, with Advance Behavior and Analysis, is an expert in behavioral analysis and special interest in patients with Down syndrome, joined ...
#155 - Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action
25 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As part of our Meet the Nationals series, Sarah Mulligan, Executive Director of Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action joined the podcast to talk about th...
#154 - Bitty and Beau's Coffee Shop
11 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Wright, co-creator of Bitty and Beau's Coffee along with his wife Amy Wright, joined the podcast today to discuss the motivation behind these amaz...
#153 - Improving Tolerance to Device Wearing (hearing aids, glasses, CPAP masks)
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Lina Patel from the Sie Center in Denver joined the podcast again today. Given that facial sensitivites are very common in people with Down synd...
#152 - Addressing Unhealthy Eating Habits (with Shannon Frizzell)
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Unhealthy eating patterns are unfortunately common in people with Down syndrome. On this podcast, dietician Shannon Frizzell joins to discuss a list...
#151 - A Conversation with Friends - Happy World Down Syndrome Day!
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In honor of World Down Syndrome Day, enjoy this roundtable coversation recorded between my brother and his friends!
#150 - How to Address Throwing Behaviors (with Dr. Tarin Santamaria)
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Santamaria rejoins the podcast to address a listener question on throwing behavior. What's the best approach when your child with Down syndrome ...
#149 - Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (with Dr. Jordan Jones)
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Jordan Jones is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Pediatric Rheumatologist from Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas CIty, MO. Dr. Jones h...
#148 - Jack's Basket (with Carissa Carroll)
05 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Carissa Carroll, Founder and Executive Director of Jack's Basket, joined the podcast today to talk about her story and how it influenced her to create...
#147 - Forget Me Not - A Powerful Documentary on Inclusive Education
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Award winning Director, Olivier Bernier joined the podcast today to talk about his recently released documentary called Forget Me Not. Part American...
#146 - Hirschsprung Disease
01 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Kelly Austin, Director of the Colorectal Center for Children at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, joined the podcast to discuss Hirschsprung dise...
#145 - The Importance of Exercise in Down Syndrome
17 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Scott Quaife, NSCA-CPT, Health and Wellness Coordinator with Down Syndrome Innovations in Kansas, joined the podcast to discuss the importance of exer...
#144 - Global Down Syndrome Foundation
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michelle Sie Whitten from the Global Down Syndrome Foundation joined the podcast today as part of our "Meet the Nationals" series. For more informa...
#143 - Depression, Anxiety, and OCD in Down syndrome
20 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Anna Esbensen, psychologist with the Thomas Center for Down Syndrome at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, joined the podcast to answer a listener qu...
#142 - Exciting Upcoming Events with DSA Pittsburgh!
07 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
To celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month, representatives from the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh (DSAP) joined the podcast today to reflec...
#141 - National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
29 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kandi Pickard, President and CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society, joined the podcast as part of our series on the national organizations who ser...
#140 - COVID Update - Omicron Boosters!
16 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Nowalk joined the podcast again to give us a general COVID update and discuss specifically the new Omicron boosters. CDC Statement on Omicron Boos...
#139 - National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC)
02 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jordan Kough, Executive Director of the National Down Syndrome Congress, joined the podcast as part of our "Meet the Nationals" series. To learn mor...
#138 - Not Down, Up Mommy (with author Antoinette Scaffidi)
11 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Antoinette Scaffidi, author of the children's book Not Down, Up Mommy, joined the podcast to talk about the book and her thoughts on the importance o...
#137 - Swallowing Dysfunction and G-tubes
28 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Speech language pathologist Sheri Rosen and Pediatric Surgeon Dr. Mike Morowitz joined the podcast to discuss swallow studies and gastrostomy tubes. ...
#136 - Healthy Lifestyle Choices Around Food and Exercise
14 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Shannon Frizzell, registered clinical dietician, joined the podcast today to talk about strategies for healthy weight management in people with Down s...
#135 - COVID Update (Vaccination for Younger Children, Boosters for Older Children)
01 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Nowalk rejoins the podcast for an update on the COVID pandemic as it relates to people with Down syndrome. Topics discussed include a general CO...
#134 - The Lucky Few (with Heather Avis)
16 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Heather Avis, co-host of The Lucky Few podcast joined our podcast today to talk about her journey and vision to "change the narrative" when it comes t...
#133 - Catching Up with The Improvaneers (with Rob Snow)
02 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Rob Snow (creator and founder of The Improvaneers) returns on the podcast to give us an update with how its going on the comedy show, the impacts of C...
#132 - Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (with Jen Jacob)
19 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jen Jacob, Founder and Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN) joined the podcast to talk about their work in the area of inf...
#131 - Domestic Adoption in Ds
05 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Stephanie Thompson from the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network (NDSAN) joined the podcast today to talk about their work in domestic adoptions fo...
#130 - The NEW 2022 Health Supervision Guidelines for Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome (with Dr. Marilyn Bull)
19 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Marilyn Bull, lead author of the 2022 American Academy of Pediatrics Health Supervision Guidelines for Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome...
#129 - Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Waivers
14 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Andrew McCormick, Director of the Transition Program at the Down Syndrome Center, joined the podcast to discuss supplemental security income (SSI)...
#128 - Power of Attorney and Guardianship
31 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Andrew McCormick, Director of the Transition Program at the Down Syndrome Center, joined the podcast to discuss the difference between power of at...
#127 - Happy World Down Syndrome Day!
21 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In honor of World Down Syndrome Day, I have chosen to re-release my favorite podcast episode with 3 very special guests! Enjoy! If there are any top...
#126 - Omicron Fading? Where Do We Go From Here?
17 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Friend of the podcast, Dr. Andy Nowalk rejoins the podcast to give us his thoughts on the COVID pandemic. Questions surrounding the current status o...
#125 - National Down Syndrome Convention
14 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) Convention is back in person this summer, June 23-26, 2022, in New Orleans, Louisiana! Dr. Vellody was jo...
#124 - Aorta Borealis
04 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Singer and songwriter Jesse Norell joined Dr. Vellody on the podcast to share about his passion for music and how his new album tells about his journe...
#123 - Education in Down Syndrome
17 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Vellody was joined by Sue Buckley on the podcast to discuss education in Down syndrome, specifically discussing speech, reading, and math skills. ...
#122 - COVID, Omicron, Vaccines - Myths and Truths
25 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Vellody and Dr. Nowalk discuss the latest on the COVID-19 Omicron variant and then answer listener questions on the COVID vaccine. Please consider...
#121 - COVID in Ds, Omicron Edition
23 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
ID specialist and friend of the podcast, Dr. Andy Nowalk, joins the podcast to discuss the latest on COVID, including the Omicron variant. Please cons...
#120 - Alzheimer Disease in Down Syndrome
16 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Peter Bulova joins the podcast today to discuss myths and facts about Alzheimer disease in Down syndrome. Adult Down Syndrome Center Adult Dow...
#119 - What About College for People with Down Syndrome?
02 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tom Sannicandro joined the podcast today to share his expertise on college options available for people with Down syndrome. Think College Home | Think...
#118 - Early Intervention Services
18 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Erica Balint, outreach coordinator for The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers, Inc., joined the podcast today to discuss Early Intervention Services fo...