National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Down Syndrome is a condition where a person is born with an extra chromosome. The physical features and medical problems associated with down syndrome can vary widely from child-to-child. Kids with Down Syndrome tend to share certain physical features such as a flat facial profile, an upward slant to the eyes, small ears, and protruding tongue. Some also may have low muscle tone (called hypotonia), which is also a characteristic.

Today, many kids with down syndrome go to school, hold jobs, and enjoy many of the same activities as other kids their age. They go to college, and transition to semi-independent living as well. 

This month is not about celebrating disabilities, it's about celebrating abilities! Join us in celebrating and raising awareness. 

Resources:

• http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/
• http://downsyndromecommunity.org

Free Zoo Days!

Did you know the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium offers free admission on select days for seniors (65+) and those with a disability?

Click here to visit the website

Summer Sensory Activities

There are many benefits of sensory activities. 

Sensory play is extremely beneficial to children with developmental delays and is often used in Sensory Integration Therapy. It has been proven that sensory integration therapy improves daily function in children with autism. 

It's not just children who have difficulty with sensory integration who benefit from sensory play; it's all children!

These activities help to stimulate your child's senses: touch, smell, taste, movement, balance, sight and hearing. Sensory play also supports language development, cognitive growth, fine & gross motor skills, problem solving skills, and social interaction. 

Frozen Fractals Ice Art is an activity I recommend you try this summer. This activity allows your child to have creative freedom and is less structured than others. It is a messy activity, so make sure you take it outside on a sunny day! 

Erupting Ice Chalk is another outdoor activity I highly recommend! Just make sure when it is time for the vinegar portion of this activity that your child does not touch their eyes. 

Click here for more sensory activities to try this summer!

Give to the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network!

Today, I want to share an email I recently received from a client's mother, Ashly Williams.  She is an amazing mother with a wonderful family who we all grew to love here at the clinic.  She is a volunteer with the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network.  Please read below to find out how you can help!

From Ashly:

When I found out that I could raise money for Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network and help pay my way to the annual DSDN retreat in Chicago I just knew I had to help!

Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network is a non-profit organization that is 100% volunteer base. They are an online-based network that has made it their mission to support new and expectant parents of children with Down syndrome.

Our organization is growing every day. One thing I really love about DSDN is being able to reach out to new moms and know that they are added to Rockin mom's groups for the extra support they need. 

If you would like to donate to this wonderful cause please let me know! If I reach a certain goal, my registration for the 2017 Rockin' Moms Retreat in Chicago will be covered!

That's why I created a fundraiser to support Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network. I am very passionate about DSDN, and their mission to support new and expectant parents of children with Down syndrome by providing information, connections and support—and you can be a part of it.

Check out my fundraising page and please consider making a donation to help me reach my goal of $1,000. So far we have raised $521, we are over half way there. 

Give today.

Giving online is easy and fast, and your support will make a real difference. I appreciate your help!