Cost: $65.00 USD

Down Syndrome



No dates are currently scheduled

One in every 800 children born in the United States has Down Syndrome (DS). It is the number one non-inherited genetic abnormality causing intellectual disabilities.

There are several medical diagnoses which occur more frequently in both children and adults with DS. We will identify those diagnoses, offer current guidelines for diagnostic screening, and discuss relevant treatment approaches.

The clinical presentations of mental illnesses which commonly occur with DS are discussed, including:

Major Depression,
Generalized Anxiety Disorder,
Agoraphobia, and
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

New research on the connections between DS and Alzheimer's Disease, and DS and Autism is also explored.

Understanding the unique memory issues, expression of grief and self-talk patterns exhibited by people with DS will give you new insights into their behavior.

You will learn guidelines for assessing the physical health / mental health connection, in order to understand your clients' behaviors, and their subsequent needs.

Concerns of families and service systems working to meet the needs of people with DS throughout their lifespan are identified.

The genetic picture of DS is clearly presented. Current research is incorporated throughout the class to give accurate and relevant clinical information to nurses, social workers, community providers, and families.

Course Information:
  • Course materials, refreshments and a light lunch are included in the course fee
  • Pre-registration is required
  • Register early! Class size is limited
  • Payment must accompany registration form
  • Video/audio taping of courses is prohibited
 Cancellation Policy:
  • Cancellations must be made no later than 5 business days prior to the course
  • The full course fee will be charged if cancellation is made in less than 5
    business days
  • Registration is transferable to another person
About the instructors

Karen Finck, RN, MS, CS, is an expert in psychiatric nursing and president of HCS. An engaging speaker, Ms. Finck lectures throughout Minnesota on mental health topics. She adeptly uses humor and presents real-life anecdotes from her experiences in the field. She provides not only an understandable theoretical framework, but offers practical approaches as well.

Louise McNamara, CNS, specializes in adult psychiatric and mental health nursing. She practices as a consultant psychotherapist with Mental Health Counseling Services.

Nancy Hanneman, RN is a nurse consultant with over twenty years of experience in community nursing. She has provided staff training on health topics for a number of years.
Continuing Education

This course is designed to provide 4.8 contact hours for nurses,
3.8 continuing education hours for social workers, and
4.0 education hours to direct care staff

Please contact HCS if you would like to have this course presented at your own facility.