2026 DSNMC Parent/Caregiver Speaker Series: A Three-Part Series on Co-occurring Diagnoses in the Down Syndrome Community, Part 1 - April

Supporting the Whole Person: Co-Occurring Diagnoses in the Down Syndrome Community, a Three-Part Series

Children and adults with Down syndrome are at increased risk for a wide range of co-occurring medical, developmental, and mental health conditions. Autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, sleep disorders, and complex medical needs are just a few examples. When these conditions occur alongside Down syndrome, families often describe feeling unprepared, unheard, or unsure where to turn.

This three-part Parent/Caregiver Speaker Series will focus on co-occurringdual diagnoses in the Down syndrome community—what they are, why they are frequently missed or misunderstood, and how they can impact learning, behavior, emotional wellbeing, and daily life across the lifespan.

Across the series, families will build a strong foundation for recognizing when something more may be going on, gain clarity around what comprehensive evaluation and treatment can look like, and develop practical strategies for advocacy and support across medical, school, and community systems.

Topics explored throughout the series will include:

• The most common dual diagnoses seen in individuals with Down syndrome

• Signs and red flags that may indicate an additional diagnosis

• Diagnostic overshadowing and barriers to timely, accurate identification

• What multidiscipco-linary evaluation and treatment pathways may involve

• How dual diagnoses can affect development, mental health, and family life

• Strategies for coordinating care and advocating effectively across systems

This series is designed to be both informational and empowering, offering caregivers language, frameworks, and tools they can use immediately—whether they are just beginning to ask questions or have been navigating multiple diagnoses for years.

Each session will include expert-led education, real-world context, and dedicated time for participant Q&A. Recordings will be shared following each webinar.

PART 1: Something Doesn't Fit

When Down Syndrome Isn’t the Only Diagnosis: Recognizing Dual Diagnoses and Understanding What May Be Missed

Individuals with Down syndrome are at increased risk for a wide range of co-occurring conditions, including autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, sleep disorders, and gastrointestinal or immune-related conditions. However, these conditions are often under-recognized or misattributed to Down syndrome itself—a phenomenon known as diagnostic overshadowing.

This session will introduce families to the concept of co-occurring diagnoses and explore how overlapping traits, communication differences, and developmental profiles can make identification challenging. Through clinical insight and real-world examples, participants will learn what red flags to watch for and how to begin conversations with providers and educators.

Learning outcomes for participants will include being able to:

• Define “dual diagnosis” and explain why individuals with Down syndrome are at increased risk for co-occurring conditions

• Identify the most common dual diagnoses (developmental, medical, and mental health)

• Recognize behavioral, developmental, and emotional red flags that may warrant further evaluation

• Understand diagnostic overshadowing and its impact on care and outcomes

• Begin documenting concerns and preparing for evaluation conversations

Presenters:

Dr. Mary Pipan
Attending Physician
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
and
Director, Trisomy 21 Program
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)

Brooke Levey
Executive Director
Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County (DSNMC)

Tuesday, April 22, 2026
7:00 PM
via Zoom; session will be recorded for later viewing

Part 2 and Part 3 coming soon!

This no-cost-to-attend event is made possible by one or more of the following: monthly giving donations, Step UP Walk peer2peer fundraising, end-of-year giving, general donations, sponsorships and grants. Please consider supporting DSNMC's programming and services through one or more of these. Thank you!