Down Syndrome

Pursuant to ACT 352 of the 2014 Louisiana Legislature, LDH is providing information concerning Down syndrome.

Below is a list of local, state and national websites that meet the requirements outlined in the Act.  These websites have extensive resources that physicians, nurses, therapists, or any other healthcare/intervention provider might find helpful in their practices.  In addition, there is comprehensive and reliable information on medical care, early intervention, support care and guidelines for treating people with Down syndrome.  Each site has a parent resource page with information and resources that are useful to families.    

National Resources

• Down syndrome Information Alliance  
• National Down syndrome Congress
• Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics
• Global Down syndrome Foundation
• National Down syndrome
• National Association for Down syndrome
• Down syndrome education USA

State Resources

EarlySteps - Louisiana's Early Intervention System - EarlySteps provides services to families with infants and toddlers aged birth to three years who have a medical condition likely to result in a developmental delay, or who have developmental delays. Children with delays in cognitive, motor, vision, hearing, communication, social-emotional or adaptive development may be eligible for services.  Children with Down syndrome qualify for EarlySteps.  

Children Special Health Services (CSHS) - The CSHS program is the principle public agency ensuring that children and youth who have special health care needs in Louisiana have access to health care services designed to minimize their disabilities and maximize their probabilities of enjoying independent and self-sufficient lives.  Locations, contact information and other helpful resources are available.