Down Syndrome News and Update 1(2)

Multi-nutrient formulas and other substances as therapies for Down syndrome: an overview

Frank Buckley, and Ben Sacks

Theories advocating the supplementation of various vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, hormones and the drug Piracetam, in various quantities, are sources of considerable controversy within the Down syndrome community. Although vitamin and mineral supplements have been proposed sporadically since the 1940s, little scientific evidence has been accumulated that suggests that their use, or the use of any single ingredient, has any benefit as a general therapy for individuals with Down syndrome. Moreover, research into the general effects of vitamins and minerals in humans, and particularly the long-term effects of supplementation over and above average dietary requirements, is still progressing. An overview of supplementation theories in Down syndrome, and some of the issues that are raised by the advocates of such theories as well as some associated issues is presented.

Buckley, F, and Sacks, B. (1998) Multi-nutrient formulas and other substances as therapies for Down syndrome: an overview. Down Syndrome News and Update, 1(2), 70-83.


Including children with Down syndrome (Part 2) From the community to the individual

Sue Buckley, and Gillian Bird

The second of a two-part series on successful inclusion in mainstream education focusing on the issues relevant to understanding the learning needs of the individual child and to planning the curriculum in the classroom. (First part was published in Down Syndrome News and Update Volume 1 Issue 1).

Buckley, S, and Bird, G. (1998) Including children with Down syndrome (Part 2) From the community to the individual. Down Syndrome News and Update, 1(2), 60-66.


Conference report: Improving the outcome for children with Down syndrome

Susan Bliss, and Peter Bliss

A conference, entitled "Improving the outcome for children with Down syndrome", was held at the Institute of Child Health in London on 1st June, 1998. At this conference, a number of speakers from the Warner clinic (based in the US) presented claims about various unorthodox therapies, including the use of a nutritional supplement (called HAP CAPS). In this article, two doctors (who are the parents of a child with Down syndrome) present a report of, and their reactions to, some of the presentations.

Bliss, S, and Bliss, P. (1998) Conference report: Improving the outcome for children with Down syndrome. Down Syndrome News and Update, 1(2), 84-85.