Down Syndrome Clinic

Description of Services:

Comprehensive care for children with Down Syndrome and their families include:

• Medical Management
• Genetic Counseling
• Speech and oral motor developmental evaluation and recommendations
• Physical development evaluation and recommendations
• Psychosocial support
• Screening and Referral for behavioral or psychiatric problems
• Referral to community agencies for educational intervention or therapies

Procedures Performed or Problems Diagnosed and Treated:

• Infants, children, adolescents and young adults (18 years and under) with Down Syndrome
• The clinic provides multidisciplinary care in a single visit for children with Down Syndrome
• Our team of professionals has over 50 collective years of experience in caring for children with Down Syndrome
• The clinic provides psychosocial support for parents and siblings
• Families can network with other families affected by Down Syndrome
• We are strong advocates for appropriate educational and community resources for Down Syndrome patients

Key Contacts and Their Special Interests:

Mary Esther Carlin, M.D. - The molecular basis of Down syndrome
Joanna Spahis, M.S.N., R.N. - Clinical Nurse Specialist
Gail Brookshire, M.S., C.G.C. - Genetic Counseling
Donnice Michel, M.S., C.G.C - Genetic Counseling
Debbie Clark, L.C.S.W. - Psychosocial Support
Judy Kline, L.C.S.W. - Psychosocial Support
Julie Cook, M.S., C.C.C.-S.L.P. - Speech Therapy
Mickey Hurt, O.T.R. - Occupational Therapy
Katie A. Green, RD, LD - Dietician and Weight Management

Referral Requirements:

• Self-referral or healthcare professional referral accepted
• Pre-authorization is required by some insurance plans
• Services are provided in close cooperation with the patient's referring physician
• A summary of the clinic visit with recommendations and test results is provided  promptly to both the family and the referring physician.

Please provide the following when calling to schedule a patient for an appointment:

• Patient Name and Date of Birth
• Address and Phone Number
• Names of Parents (including Mother's Maiden Name)
• Preferred Language Spoken
• Insurance/Referral Information

Appointment Notes:

To avoid unnecessary testing, the family should bring relevant medical records, test results, including the chromosome test results and X-rays to the appointment.  The physician or hospital may also FAX these records. 

In order for each patient to be seen by every team member, a typical clinic visit can last 2-3 hours.

Physician Contact:

Mary Esther Carlin, M.D.

Hospital Contact:

Joanna Spahis, M.S.N., R.N.

Clinic Phone Number: 214-456-2357
Clinic Fax Number: 214-456-2567

Children's Medical Center

     Down Syndrome Clinic