| Down syndrome & Autism Spectrum Disorder |
| Every individual with Down syndrome has their own strengths and weaknesses, and certainly their own personality. As a parent or caregiver, you know firsthand how your loved one is progressing, reaching milestones and acquiring different skills. When you feel that their behavior or development has shifted, changed or has become stagnant, you may wonder if anything more may be happening. DS-Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
When concerns arise, we encourage you to talk to your healthcare team and explain to them what you are seeing and how it seems to be affecting our loved one’s development. The more data you share, the better informed they will be in determining what kind of evaluations may be necessary. When seeking a medical consult regarding ASD, it’s important to talk with someone who is familiar with diagnosing co-occurring conditions in someone with Down syndrome. We are fortunate to have The Thomas Center here in Cincinnati with physicians who are familiar with co-occurring diagnoses. Until recently, it was commonly believed that the two conditions could not exist together. As data is continually gathered, medical professionals are recognizing that people with Down syndrome may also have another diagnosis such as ASD or ADHD. As you are considering your next move, visit www.dsagc.com/ds-asd . Here you will find next steps, data collection, an informational video on how DS and ASD interact, behavioral suggestions, toileting/selfcare tips, sensory diet suggestions and more. The DSAGC currently offers a DS-ASD virtual support group for DSAGC parents/caregivers led by a licensed psychologist. Visit www.dsagc.com/programs to register. |
|  | | DS-ASD Support Group every other Monday
8 - 9:30 pm | Zoom
Facilitator: Kelly Jones, MS, LPCA In an effort to support families with loved ones who have or who suspect to have a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (ASD), the DSAGC is offering a newly formed support group for parents and caregivers. The goal of this group is to connect families to help support one another by talking through challenges and successes while guided by a qualified group facilitator. Participants will benefit from the facilitator’s knowledge of strategies to help in extra stressful situations. They will be able to encourage each other as caregivers and can share and learn firsthand about resources to help in the many stages of this journey. |
| | | | Saturday, September 10 | Sawyer Point The Buddy Walk is the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati’s largest fundraising and awareness event of the year, attracting over 13,000 participants and raising half of the annual revenue needed to fulfill our mission. Together, we walk to celebrate the extraordinary lives of people with Down syndrome and raise much needed funds to provide programs, support, resources, outreach and advocacy to our community. |
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| | SPRING Empowerment Series |
| Empowerment Series occur once a week for 3 – 5 weeks. The classes build upon each other and are designed to empower individuals with Down syndrome. Registration is required. For most series, there is a one-time $20 fee to participate for the entire series. DSAGC families are welcome to use our Community Participation Fund to help cover the cost. - Parent/Child Yoga (ages 0 - 5)
- Early Matters Playgroup (ages 0 - 5)
- Jump Start Swim Camp (ages 3 - 15)
- Spring Into Social Skills (ages 12 - 17)
- Intro to Golf (ages 13 & up)
- Running/Walking Group (all ages)
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| | SPRING Pop-Up Classes & Socials |
| Pop-Up Classes & Socials occur on occasion and include various learning components, but focus heavily on social networking and building relationships. Registration is required for each individual pop-up class and social. At times there may be a cost associated, but the majority of these opportunities are free. - Adaptive Book Making (all ages)
- Parent Night Out (parents of all ages)
- Funday Sunday (ages 6 - 11)
- Zumba (ages 6 & up)
- Winter Dance (ages 15 & up)
- Arts & Apps (ages 18 & up)
- SINGO (ages 18 & up)
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| | Every Tuesday and Thursday in July Morning Session: 9 - 11 am
Afternoon Session: 12 - 2 pm Our summer tutoring program is offered to expand learning time for children with Down syndrome. It is led by high-quality certified special education instructors. The tutoring program will be individualized and customized via parent/caregiver desires. There will be two certified special education teachers and six educational aides (students who are in college for special education or current district para professionals) per session. |
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| | July 4 - July 8
5 Session Times to Choose From
Moeller High School (9001 Montgomery Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45242) iCan Bike uses adapted bicycles, a specialized instructional program and trained staff to enable individuals with disabilities to learn to ride a two-wheel bicycle. Riders attend one 75 minute session each day for five consecutive days where they learn to ride while accompanied and encouraged by volunteer “spotters”. Over the course of the week, we continually adjust the bikes in an effort to challenge riders balance as they gradually discover the skill and joy of riding. |
| | iCan Bike Camp is sold out! You can email Joanie@dsagc.com to be placed on the waiting list. |
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| We need iCan Bike Camp VOLUNTEERS! iCan Bike uses a fleet of adapted bicycles, a specialized instructional program and a trained staff to teach individuals with disabilities how to ride a bike. Be a “spotter” for the same rider for each of the 5 days and experience the thrill of giving the gift of riding a bike! Just 75 invigorating minutes per day… it just may be the most rewarding exercise and emotional experience you’ve ever had! We encourage you to sign-up for the same time slot all 5 days of camp, but would love to have you join us even if you can only make it one day! iCan Bike Camp Volunteer Requirements: -
At least 15 years old (unless accompanied by an adult). -
Able to provide physical, emotional and motivational support to assigned rider. -
Able and willing to get some exercise (light jogging/running) for a great cause! Contact AmyI@dsagc.com if interested. |
| | Independent Living Retreat |
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| June 3 - June 5 Mount Saint Joseph University "Independence" means different things for everyone. For some, it means living on their own...for others, it means reaching an individual goal (developing social connections, learning new skills, etc.). The Independent Living Retreat (ILR) is a weekend-long experience for adults with Down syndrome looking to gain their own version of independence. The retreat provides opportunities for community service, learning new skills, making friendships and overall growth. There is a strong emphasis on developing and working through individual goals. *Registration closed April 1. |
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| | | While the majority of our programs are back in-person, we will still offer several virtual opportunities on a monthly basis. Registration is required, but it is FREE to participate. Registration for Spring Virtual Programs Opens March 1. - Virtual Cooking with Chef Miles
- Virtual Baking with Chefs Jordan and Daniel
- Virtual Bingo
- Virtual Circle Time
- Virtual Creative Expression
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| | Our Empowerment Center is now available for Open Hangout! This is an opportunity for you, your family, and friends to utilize the space in your own way and at no cost. You will have access to the entire center, including the Sensory Room. The Empowerment Center is furnished with therapeutic equipment, a rock wall, swings, trampolines, climbing mats, toys, games, and electronics. Open Hangout is available for all ages and abilities! Open Hangout is designed to help build upon skills for intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development. By choosing your own activities, open hangout also allows for increased exploration, creativity, imagination, and learning. The Empowerment Center is also an inviting place where parents and caregivers can connect. We encourage you to take advantage of our interactive and educational space. Every Wednesday from 10 am – 12 pm No registration required. Drop in whenever to hangout! Second Saturday of the Month from 10 am – 12 pm Registration is required. |
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| | Sunday, June 12
2 - 5 pm We offer Respite Care once a quarter. We provide parents with short-term care services in a safe, supportive, and structured setting. Respite events are open to the child/teen/adult with Down syndrome as well as their siblings. After drop-off, parents will have three hours to themselves to do whatever they please! Our “care assistant” volunteers are trained and must pass a background check. Registration is required, but it is FREE to participate. |
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| | Parent Education Workshops |
| Parent Education Classes are held once a quarter. The topics of these classes rotate, but are always specific to Down syndrome. These will be held in-person at the DSAGC office (unless otherwise noted). If the workshop takes place at the DSAGC, we offer care for children, teens, and adults while the parent/caregiver attends the workshop. Care during the workshops fills on a first-come, first-serve basis, so we encourage registering as soon as possible. Registration is required, but it is FREE to participate. COMMON SLEEP PROBLEMS & CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS Monday, May 23
6:30 – 8 pm
DSAGC Office, 4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, Ohio 45212 Presented by Anna Esbensen, Psychologist and Research Director for the Thomas Center for Down Syndrome
Stacey Ishman, Professor, UC Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery |
| | | Behavior with the Experts |
| Behaviors can be challenging for our loved ones with Down syndrome. Whether it’s swiping, flopping, pulling, pinching, or other non-compliant actions - there are strategies to help our loved ones communicate more effectively. This year, after two years like no other, we are putting even more emphasis on helping families deal with puzzling and unwanted behaviors by virtually connecting parents/caregivers with behavioral experts. These monthly DSAGC-sponsored, small group workshops will allow parents/caregivers to focus in on specific behaviors, figure out ways to identify their function, and hear firsthand strategies to help. Parents will have the opportunity to ask questions and hopefully get a better understanding of tactics to support behavioral changes. Unfortunately, we all know there’s no magic wand to automatically make behaviors better, but the DSAGC is committed to walking beside families by connecting parents to behavioral professionals who may help alleviate some of the challenges involved in supporting our loved ones to better communicate. These behavior discussions will be held on Zoom. Registration is required, but it is FREE to participate. Feeding Difficulties Wednesday, April 27
6:30 – 8 pm
Presented by Stephanie Bare, M.S., CCC-SLP Externalizing Behaviors Wednesday, May 18
6 - 7:30 pm
Presented by Mary Mushaben, Board Certified Behavior Analyst Elopement / Wandering Tuesday, June 14
6:30 - 8 pm
Presented by Trumpet Behavioral Health |
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| Support at Every Age and Stage |
| We provide support and resources to families of all ages and stages in a variety of ways. - Meet with individuals with Down syndrome and their families whenever needed to offer continuous support.
- Make introductions to local agencies, intervention programs, county services, and more.
- Connect families to each other through in-person opportunities, on-line chat groups, and more.
- Attend important meetings (hospital, school, work, etc.) to advocate for the individual with Down syndrome’s best interest.
- Research referrals, community opportunities, best practices, etc.
- Assist families in the preparation of transitions (IEPs, behavior plans, aging, etc).
- Organize presentations to enhance the community’s understanding of Down syndrome.
- ...and so much more!!
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| | | | We provide extensive outreach to local healthcare professionals, educators, employers, and legislators. In addition, we are involved in a variety of advocacy work that impacts the Down syndrome community. |
| | | | Community Groups Community Groups provide support, information, and be a resource while creating a warm, welcoming, empathetic environment. We have a wide variety of groups by area and interest.
Learn more Social Clubs Social Clubs meet monthly and serve as an opportunity for our adults with Down syndrome to take a leadership role in planning and implementing their own social activities.
Learn more Teen Club Our Teen Club is designed for teens to meet monthly for additional social and learning opportunities.
Learn more |
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| | Transportation Assistance Fund The DSAGC understands that some members in our community face challenges getting to and from important activities and appointments. To help, we established the Transportation Assistance Fund (TAF). The TAF provides financial assistance to parents or caregivers so they can obtain dependable and convenient transportation to DSAGC programs and events, or medical and therapy appointments for their loved one with Down syndrome. transportation assistance fund application in english transportation assistance fund application in spanish |
| Hospital Care Packages We deliver care packages to individuals with Down syndrome who are admitted to the hospital. Our care packages include meal tickets, snacks, cards, activities, books, and more. Learn more Community Participation Fund We have a limited amount of scholarships available for individuals with Down syndrome to participate in community activities (such as camps, soccer, swim lessons) and therapies. There is also funding available for parents to attend educational meetings or conferences. We pay half of the request (up to $250 per year). You must live within our 12 county area to be eligible. Learn more |
| | | |  | Be.well is excited to announce the upcoming adapt and thrive Cincinnati: disability soccer clinic on April 23, 2022. be.well is a community-based wellness service line for kids with chronic or complex medical conditions. It was created to encourage the pursuit of sport and recreation in Cincinnati and the surrounding area, regardless of ability. It is guided by therapists within CCHMC’s Occupational and Physical Therapy Department, administered by community partners, and supported by philanthropic agencies. To subscribe for future updates, please click here. |
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 | Buddy Up Fitness is an ongoing High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) class designed specifically for individuals with Down syndrome, ages 12+ (Athletes). The HIIT circuit training program combines cardiovascular and strength training elements with particular emphasis on building core strength. By participating in Buddy Up Fitness, Athletes can proactively improve their physical fitness while performing workout routines that activate a variety of muscle groups. Buddy Volunteers help to individualize support, ensure proper form, and track progress.
If you have a loved one with Down syndrome (Athlete) 12 years or older, please take 2 minutes to complete the below survey to share your interest in the Buddy Up Fitness program by 4/29.
SURVEY |
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| Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati
4623 Wesley Avenue Suite A | Cincinnati, 45212
5137615400 | dsagc@dsagc.com |
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