Blog #248~Down Syndrome Awareness Month
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. My son, Nick is 28 years old and has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD). As a parent, writer and advocate, my mission is to educate others to better understand more about Down syndrome and autism. Down syndrome awareness is about promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion of all individuals with Down syndrome in all aspects of our society.
Click here to get the facts about Down syndrome: @ http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/What-Is-Down-Syndrome/
Here’s how YOU can promote Down syndrome awareness and acceptance:
🙂 Post information and stories about individuals with Down syndrome on your social media platforms. You can follow many inspiring individuals on Facebook and Instagram like Nick at #Down Syndrome with a Slice of Autism. Here are a few of my favorites: #noahsdaddotcom #calebs_crew #brittanysbaskets #chrisnikic #dsdn #chucklesandmeatloaf #nothingdownaboutit #sean_from_born_this_way #troymadeit #abigail_the_advocate #theluckyfew #aceismyfriend #ndss #ndsc
🙂 Use and promote “person first language” to respectively speak about a person with a disability. Individuals with Down syndrome should always be referred to as people first. Instead of “a Down syndrome child,” it should be “a child with Down syndrome.” Also avoid “Down’s child” and describing the condition as “Down’s,” as in, “He has Down’s.”
🙂 If you are a parent of a child with Down syndrome, send updates, pictures and tell your story to your family doctor and OB/GYN. Consider becoming a Hope Advocate-You will get a custom hope kit to distribute to your OB/GYN and family doctor. More information @ https://hopestory.org/sign-up/
🙂 Check with your local Down syndrome support group to see if they have promotional materials, like books and bookmarks that can be distributed at libraries and schools.
🙂 Many Down syndrome support groups have public speakers available to talk with schools, businesses, community groups, hospitals, and other organizations.
🙂 Support or volunteer for local fundraisers like the Buddy Walk in your community @ https://www.ndss.org/play/national-buddy-walk-program/ .
🙂 Encourage your kids to volunteer for Special Olympics and Best Buddies programs through their school.
🙂 Here’s how you can help support families like ours, The Down Syndrome-Autism Connection is the gold standard organization supporting DS-ASD families @ http://www.ds-asd-connection.org/. I am looking for 21 people to donate just $21 (or more) for the 3-2-1 Caring and Sharing fundraiser to directly help families navigating a dual diagnosis. The Connection provides valuable resources and support for families like ours in over 10 countries. Click here to donate: https://givebutter.com/E6h2IX/teresaunnerstall
🙂 My book A New Course: A Mother’s Journey Navigating Down Syndrome and Autism is helping so many readers understand both Down syndrome and a co-occurring Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD). It’s available on Amazon. Please utilize the share buttons on social media and order your copy here: @ https://amzn.to/2W3Un6X
Thank you for supporting and sharing information about Down syndrome awareness this month. Together we can promote understanding, acceptance and inclusion of all individuals with Down syndrome. That’s what is in my noggin this week.
~Teresa
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