Common health problems in people with Down syndrome

Proactive health care is important in people with Down syndrome to detect problems early and improve health outcomes. A multidisciplinary team coordinated by the general practitioner (including practice nurse, allied health, dentist and relevant specialists) is essential to address health problems and anticipate and plan for future needs. See Facilitation of a multidisciplinary approach to care of people with developmental disability.

Support for the person and their family or carers is an important aspect of care; see Support for carers and family of people with developmental disability. Consider referral to external services (eg National Disability Insurance Scheme [NDIS], Centrelink), and support organisations (see Syndromes and disorders associated with developmental disability) to enable the person and their family to achieve and maintain optimal health and function.

For links to advice on health problems that are common in people with Down syndrome, see Common health problems in people with Down syndrome. Consider also contributing individual factors, such as communication difficulties or challenging behaviour, and family, environmental or community problems, such as abuse and trauma.

Figure 1. Common health problems in people with Down syndrome

For advice on health problems that are common in people with Down syndrome, see: