How to Take this Course

Course Overview: Adolescents with Down syndrome today lead rich and active lives in their homes, schools, and communities. While they face many of the same health risks as their non-disabled peers, teens with Down syndrome also have particular issues that are addressed in a set of published health guidelines from the National Down Syndrome Society. Since weight management problems are almost universal in this population, this program contains specific guidelines for physical activity and dietary intake. Sexuality and intimacy concerns are addressed, along with methods for supporting the teen’s social development.

Teens with Down syndrome are capable of continuing significant gains in gross motor skills, fine motor abilities, speech and language, cognition, social development, and activities of daily living, if they receive appropriate education and support. Recommendations for educational and developmental support are highlighted in this course offering. Also included is a discussion of the formal transition process, designed to guide the adolescent from the school system to the work force. Nursing implications are highlighted, and family support recommendations are included. Please see Objectives for a specific list of the course goals.

Here are a few hints to help you navigate through the course.

• Click on links in the Table of Contents frame on the left side of the screen. You can view pages consecutively, or access any page at any time.
• You can contact website support by clicking on "RnCeus Interactive e-mail" or return to the RnCeus Interactive Home Page by clicking on the word "RnCeus.com" in the top bar above, from any page.
• Access the Exam and Evaluation Form at the end of the course. Follow instructions on that page to obtain nursing contact hours, or to just try the questions. You can review all course material, submit the exam, and get it graded without registering or paying any price!
• Links to the World Wide Web enrich the course content. Review the different sites and then click "BACK" on your browser to return to the course. Or "BOOKMARK" or "ADD FAVORITES" for easy reference!
• Scattered throughout the course are Instant Feedback areas, like the one below. Review information about the Target Audience and give it a try!

For example:

The target audience for this course is nurses who work with adolescents with Down syndrome in a variety of settings: inpatient and outpatient health care facilities, physicians’ offices and clinics, public and private agencies serving individuals with disabilities, home health, and case management.

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