Down Syndrome Hub

More than 400,000 individuals in the United States have Down syndrome, or trisomy 21–a chromosomal condition caused by an extra 21st chromosome. Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. Approximately one in every 733 babies is born with Down syndrome each year.

Down Syndrome Researchers

Andrew Alexander, PhD

Position title: Professor, Medical Physics and Psychiatry

Lauren Bishop, PhD

Position title: Associate Professor, School of Social Work

Luis Columna, PhD

Position title: Associate Professor, Kinesiology

Sigan Hartley, PhD

Position title: Professor, 100 Women Chair in Human Ecology

Marsha R. Mailick, PhD

Position title: Emeritus Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education

Robert A. Pearce, MD, PhD

Position title: Professor, Anesthesiology

André Sousa, PhD

Position title: Assistant Professor, Neuroscience

Audra Sterling, PhD

Position title: Associate Professor, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Houri K. Vorperian, PhD

Position title: Senior Scientist, Waisman Center

Waisman Down Syndrome News

Our Partners

The Waisman Center works in collaboration with community partners to serve the Down Syndrome community through outreach and training.

DSAW South Central Logo

Gigi's playhouse

Resources & Services

Research Participation | 800.965.9205; 608.263.5192; registry@waisman.wisc.edu; Participate in Research
The Waisman Center’s Research Registry links individuals and families to research projects at the Waisman Center. The Waisman Center maintains a confidential registry of families and individuals who would like to be contacted about upcoming research projects. Enrollment in the Research Registry does not obligate an individual or family to participate in any study.

Community Outreach for Children with Challenging Behaviors | 608.265.9438; cow.waisman.wisc.edu/ties
Community Training, Intervention and Evaluations Services (TIES) is an outreach program for children and adults with developmental disabilities who present various challenging behaviors, including withdrawal, aggression and self-injury. The mission of Community TIES is to address behavioral, psychological, and emotional needs using therapeutic approaches that insure continued participation in the community. TIES provides counseling, crisis response, psychiatric consultation, parent education and support, and training for personnel and program consultation in local human service agencies. Directed by Josh Lapin, MSW, and funded by Dane County, this program maintains an active caseload of approximately 250 children and adults in Dane County.

Well Badger Resource Center | 800-642-7837; text: (608) 360-9328; help@wellbadger.org; https://www.wellbadger.org/
When you have questions about health and social services, figuring out where to go when you need help can be overwhelming. We’re here to make it easier. Well Badger Resource Center is your one-stop connection to community, social, health, and government programs — a place to find what you need, when you need it.