We have a range of resources available for professionals, parents and carers, young people and adults on a variety of topics. Use the filters below to find the resources which are relevant to you.
We have resources for professionals, parents and carers as well as easy-read resources for young people and adults with Down’s syndrome. You can view resources in each category by using the buttons below.
If you can’t find what you need or would like to talk through any of the information or resources in this section please contact our Family Support Service team on 0300 030 2121 or email familysupportservice@dsscotland.org.uk.
We will continue to add resources over time so if there is anything you would like to see more information on, please let us know.
1 April 2026
Adults with Down’s Syndrome experience significantly poorer health outcomes and face higher risks of treatable and preventable conditions. Yet with the right preparation, communication support and follow-up, annual health checks can provide a powerful opportunity to reduce health inequalities and improve quality of life.
In this podcast, Varshali Swadi, Professional Engagement and Development Lead and Debbie Campbell, Family Support Service Officer from Down’s Syndrome Scotland, share practical guidance, lived experience, insight and clear actions for professionals to deliver equitable, person-centred care. They talk about why the annual health check matters, what good practice looks like, and how it can quite literally save lives.
18 September 2025
Most children with Down’s syndrome have unique physiological and behavioural differences that can make it more difficult to assess how unwell they really are. This can lead to a risk of diagnostic overshadowing, where a person’s underlying condition influences a clinician’s judgment, potentially delaying or preventing the right diagnosis and treatment.
Healthcare professionals often rely on scoring systems and standard checklists of signs and symptoms to assess illness. However, these tools may not always be effective for children with Down’s syndrome, whose presentations can be atypical or subtle, making clinical awareness and parental insight especially important.
This practical, easy-to-read guide created by Dr Elizabeth Herrieven (Emergency Medicine Consultant and parent) and Dr Linda Dykes (Emergency Medicine Consultant & GP) offers essential top tips for triaging and treating children with Down’s syndrome.
Covering clinical and communication challenges, from recognising atypical signs of infection to supporting sensory and behavioural needs , this resource helps health professionals provide safer and more responsive care.
13 February 2025
The key focus of Shahid’s research team is tracking the early markers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in people with Down’s syndrome. Identifying these changes as early as possible is crucial for developing better interventions and ensuring that individuals can live longer, healthier lives.
For more information about the study and how to join it can found here
19 December 2024
A guide to the initial care for a newborn baby with a diagnosis of Down’s syndrome. It is intended for use by all health professionals involved in the care of babies with Down’s syndrome across Scotland. This publication has been developed in collaboration between the NHS community throughout Scotland and Down’s syndrome Scotland.