Down Syndrome Awareness Month – October 3, 2025

Did you know? People with Down syndrome may experience diagnostic overshadowing in medical settings. 

“It’s just Down syndrome.”

Unfortunately, many families have heard this statement after describing a behavior change or new symptom that they have noticed their loved one with Down syndrome experiencing. In medical care, this is called diagnostic overshadowing. When a healthcare professional overshadows with regards to Down syndrome, the professional focuses primarily (or only) on the fact that the person has Down syndrome and less on the possibility of a co-occurring health condition. Diagnostic overshadowing can lead to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis of potentially treatable health conditions. 

What can individuals with Down syndrome and their families do to try to avoid diagnostic overshadowing?

• Ask other individuals with Down syndrome and their families for recommendations of healthcare professionals who demonstrate a commitment to providing respectful and dignified care that all patients deserve.
• Tell healthcare professionals about the person’s baseline – how they typically act, what their skills and abilities are. Photos and videos can be helpful.
• Share resources about health of people with Down syndrome with your healthcare professionals (see our online library!).

Brian Chicoine, MD, shares more in this article on diagnostic overshadowing.