Access to appropriate care within hospitals and the general health system can be difficult for people with Down syndrome. It is essential to ensure that everyone has access to good quality health care and is supported to access information and make informed health decisions.
Our resources for health professionals provide evidenced-based advice to health professionals to better understand how to support people with Down syndrome within the health system. Resources have also been developed for people with Down syndrome and their families to be prepared and informed about hospital stays, building relationships with GPs and decision making.
Resource Hub
You can find a wide range of health resources for people with Down syndrome, families and professionals in our Resource Hub.
Community Inclusion Toolkit: Health Toolkit
Down Syndrome Australia have developed a Community Inclusion Health Toolkit which includes a section on Health. These resources have been developed to provide evidence-based advice for health professionals to support people with Down syndrome in the health system. Resources have also been developed for people with Down syndrome and their families to be prepared and informed about hospital stays, building relationships with GPs and decision making.
More information for people with Down syndrome and families
You may like to read more in our guides on health. All of the guides are available in the Resource Hub.
Down Syndrome and Dementia: A Guide for Families
Down Syndrome and Dementia is a guide which provides information about the link between Down syndrome and Dementia.
Down syndrome and mental health
The Down syndrome and mental health guide talks about what people with Down syndrome and their families can do to support good mental health, and how to know when professional support is required.
More information for health professionals
Prenatal Screening and talking to parents about Down syndrome
Tips for GPs on prenatal screening helps GPs to provide information about Down syndrome, prenatal screening and communicating with parents. This resource is based on the lived experience of people with Down syndrome and their families, as well as up-to-date evidence.
Down Syndrome Today
Down Syndrome Today is a short video for health professionals to encourage a contemporary view of Down syndrome and end out-dated and negative stereotypes of Down syndrome. The video encourages a balanced approach when working with families, particularly during the prenatal period.