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Down Syndrome, Ages 13 to 21

Table of Contents


Topic Overview

If your child with Down syndrome is an adolescent or young adult between the ages of 13 and 21, you will likely have ongoing questions and concerns. Your doctor can help answer your questions. And he or she can guide you to appropriate resources that can help you manage your feelings and plan for your child's long-term care needs.

Your child should receive health care from a coordinated team of doctors. Treatment should focus on monitoring and recognizing your child's changing physical, mental, and emotional needs. Your doctor should be able to guide you to the services you need. It is a good idea to have your child's primary doctor prepare and maintain a medical summary and work with you to develop a written health care transition plan as your child approaches the teen years. Think about what types of future services will be needed, who will provide them, and how you will pay for the services.

Your doctor will likely address a variety of issues during your child's regularly scheduled checkups. In addition to talking about health problems, your doctor may talk with you and your child about concerns like:


Credits for Down Syndrome, Ages 13 to 21

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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