DS-ASD Fall Update
Here’s what Nick’s been up to this fall. My son is 24 years old and has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD). He attends an adult developmental training program each day. The program keeps him busy with many enrichment activities and developmental learning skills are incorporated throughout the day. Outside this program, Nick enjoys spending time with his personal support respite workers out in the community.
Some of the highlights of Nick’s day program are community trips, including shopping, museums, bowling and going out to eat. In house, communication, functional living skills, recreation, music, movies, gardening, crafts and cooking are all a part of the curriculum.
Here are some of the fun things Nick’s been up to this fall outside the day program……
NIU Football Game, with Dad. Go Huskies!
Pumpkin Patch with Miss R….
Nick loves eating out and date nights with his personal support workers, Miss R, Jodi and Kelsey. The look on his face says it all! I think he’s got the “smizing” down, Tyra Banks 🙂
Here in Chicago, the fall weather was less than desirable. But, there were a handful of mild, sunny days in the chilly mix. At least the Chicago Bears are playing some great football this season.
Go Bears!
Nick is 24 years old, but I’ve noticed that he continues to gain new skills and behaviors which are both good and challenging. I am always seeking new ways to support him to make good choices and curtail the undesirable behaviors, like button, fire alarm pushing, throwing and dropping things. I am happy to report that some of these behaviors have started to diminish since adding in two new social stories. Social stories are great tools to teach new skills and behaviors. Next week, I will share more about these two stories, and how they have been implemented both at home and at his day program. How’s that for a teaser? 🙂
Life has been good this fall, in Nick’s world, and the rest of us are just trying to keep up. That’s what is in my noggin this week.
~Teresa 🙂
Follow Nick:
Facebook and Pinterest @Down Syndrome With A Slice Of Autism
Instagram #nickdsautism
Twitter @tjunnerstall
Down Syndrome with a Slice of Autism 