Down Syndrome Center

The Down Syndrome Center is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive care through an interdisciplinary team approach. Our mission is to empower individuals with Down syndrome to reach their full potential by supporting their development, independence, and inclusion in all aspects of family, school, and community life. We are committed to fostering a compassionate and collaborative environment that promotes lifelong success and well-being.

Services We Offer

• Audiology
• Developmental and behavioral pediatrics
• Ear, nose, and throat care
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Social work
• Speech therapy
• School psychology
• Referral coordination to additional subspecialties

At your appointment you should expect to:

• Discuss any concerns you have about your child
• Review your child's history (medical problems, developmental and behavioral issues, educational placements, therapies)
• Make sure your child is up to date on all recommended medical guidelines
• Conduct developmental testing
• Perform a physical examination
• Recommend further testing, therapies, or educational programming

As part of the MUSC Children's Hospital, experts in every pediatric subspecialty including ophthalmology, audiology, cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, neurology, orthopedics, and nutritional services are readily available.

The Team

Angela Larosa, M.D., MSCR
Medical Director

A Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician will evaluate each child’s development, assess and manage developmental and behavioral problems.

Karen Van Bakergem, LISW-CP
Clinic Coordinator

A social worker will assess for psychosocial needs, assist with accessing available resources, provide supportive services, and coordinate service delivery.

Jaime Snape, DBT

A physical therapist will promote independence, increase participation, facilitate motor development and function, improve strength and endurance, and enhance learning opportunities.

Lauren Berg, MS, CCC-SLP

A Speech Language Pathologist will assess each child, determine what types of communication problems exist, evaluation for oral/motor and feeding concerns, and recommend the best way to treat these challenges.

Diane Andrews, MS, CCC-SLP

A speech language pathologist that specializes in literacy and reading to assist with pre-literacy skills and reading for children with Down syndrome.

Ashley Saunders, OTR/L

An Occupational therapist skilled in the treatment of individuals with Down syndrome helps patients achieve independence in all facets of their lives.

Benjamin Oliver, CPNP

An Otolaryngologist will assess conditions of the ears, nose, and throat, significant concerns for children with Down syndrome.

Kimberly ORR, MA, CCC-A
Audiologist

An audiologist specializes in identifying, diagnosing, treating and monitoring disorders of the auditory and vestibular system portions of the ears.