Preparing questions in advance can help patients and parents have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their or their child's treatment options. The following questions about Down syndrome may be helpful:

1. Do you know of any support groups in the area where I can meet and talk to children with Down syndrome and their parents?
   
   
2. What type of Down syndrome does my child have?
   
   
3. Does my child have any complications associated with Down syndrome, such as heart or intestinal defects?
   
   
4. What treatments do you recommend for my child's complications?
   
   
5. How frequently should my child come in for regular checkups?
   
   
6. What signs and symptoms of infections should I watch for in my child?
   
   
7. How will I know if my child is in pain if there are communication problems?
   
   
8. Are there any signs I should be on the lookout for that may indicate that my child may be losing vision or hearing?
   
   
9. What early intervention services for children with Down syndrome are available in my area?
   
   
10. Do you recommend that my child attend a regular school or a special school for children with Down syndrome?
    
    
11. What are the risks that any additional children I may have will also have Down syndrome?