Tag: Resources for Down syndrome and autism

Blog #84~ Resource Links Related to Down syndrome and Autism

Today is President’s Day, so there is no school.  My ability to focus and write is hindered by interruptions from Nick who is making loud mooing noises, pushing the fan button on the microwave, dropping things behind the TV and watching “The Other Guys” while tapping a can of tennis balls against his mouth.  Yes, that’s a slice of  Down syndrome and autism here this morning………

So this week I’ve included my favorite resource links related to Down syndrome and autism:

Down syndrome links:

www.ndss.org  The National Down Syndrome Society is the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

www.ndsccenter.org  The country’s oldest national organization for people with Down syndrome, their families and the professionals who work with them.

www.nads.org   NADS is the National Association for Down syndrome and a solid support group in the Chicago area.  There is also more links for dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism here (including a complete list with signs and symptoms for parents wondering if their child has more than just Down syndrome). 

www.gigiplayhouse.org   Down syndrome Awareness Centers all over the Midwest and expanding to New York, NY and Mexico. These centers provide play, fitness and social groups.

www.noahsdad.com   This site is invaluable for parents who have a baby or child with Down syndrome. There is some great information and useful tips and links and positively focused.  It is one of my favorite websites.

www.futureofdowns.com   Run by parents of children with Down’s syndrome.  Covers a wide range of topics regarding babies and children with Down’s syndrome, pregnant and in need of advice on screening and tests or have just received a positive diagnosis following an amnio or CVS.

Autism Links:

www.facebook.com/autismdiscussionpage  This page was developed by Bill Nason, MS, LLP to discuss tools that help children on the spectrum. This is one of my favorite links related to autism.

www.autismspeaks.org  Autism Speaks provides information and advocacy and good general information and links.

www.autism-society.org  The Autism Society improves the lives of all affected by autism through education, advocacy, services, research and support.

www.tacanow.org  Talk About Curing Autism and has a ton of links and articles along with coffee groups.

www.brianraymondking.com  Brian King teaches his proven methods to individuals and their parents across the country in a private one-on-one format using the latest technology. He  writes a variety of articles, is an author, speaker and trainer  for schools, parents and support groups.

www.bridges4kids.org  Great resources for special needs families. One of my favorite go to sites.

www.myautismteam.com Parents share daily trials, triumphs, questions and recommendations

www.mayer-johnson.com  Boardmaker software for assistive technology/AAC devices

www.teeach.com  Information on TEEACH materials

www.pottytrainingsolutions.com Gathers the most common problems and their solutions to help take the stress out of this major milestone.

www.easterseals.com Easter Seals offers programs, training and equipment for families.

www.specialedadvocacy.org  Advocacy site for parents and teachers

Down syndrome and autism links:

www.nickspecialneeds.com My site which provides information on topics specific to a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism including supports, communication and speech/feeding issues, occupational therapy, behavior/ ABA and much more.

www.ds-asd-connection.org  Offers good information related to a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism.

www.theupsideofdowns.org  Provides support, advocacy and information specific to Down syndrome and autism.

In addition, let me add that there are several Facebook groups directly related to Down syndrome and autism.  These groups are a safe place to share information, ask questions, and share the crazy things that our kids with a dual diagnosis do.  No one in these FB groups would  bat an eye if you posted a picture like this……… (In fact they would hit the like button and add in their own pictures in)…….

There is help out there right at your finger tips.  Let me know if you have any more to add in.  Thank you for reading and sharing my blog. Now, it’s time to gather up the contents of my purse that Nick decided to dump all over the living room floor.  That’s what is in my noggin this week! 🙂

~Teresa