Anna J. Esbensen, PhD, FAPA, FAAIDD

I’m a clinical psychologist who specializes in Down syndrome. In my practice, I support individuals who have Down syndrome with mental health management, when needed. I also provide support to families of individuals with Down syndrome, especially related to behavior management. Psychological testing is part of my practice as well.

I serve as the psychologist and research director for the Thomas Center for Down Syndrome at Cincinnati Children’s. I’m also a fellow of the American Psychological Association and a fellow of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

I came to my specialty area because my early experiences with individuals with Down syndrome shaped my research questions and clinical focus. I focus on how the genetic characteristics of Down syndrome interact with the environment, contributing to the mental health and behavioral presentation of the individual. I’m also concerned with the patient’s family and their needs, so that I can provide them with their desired treatment outcome.

In addition to helping patients and their families, I do research. I’m interested in how we measure outcomes and change in outcomes through the lifespan development of individuals with Down syndrome, the physical and mental health of individuals with Down syndrome, and comorbid conditions often present in individuals with Down syndrome.

I also hope to improve on current clinical trials, which have not been successful in part because our outcome measures have not been sensitive to detecting change. I’m seeking to identify what measures are most appropriate for use with individuals with Down syndrome who are between the ages of 2 ½ years and 29 years. These measures must also be the most sensitive to detecting change.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading on my porch swing and researching genealogy.