You Are Not Alone!
One of the most important aspects of mental health and wellness is having the opportunities to have rich and rewarding socialization with others. This is not only a fun way to spend time with people we love, but it also provides to chance to learn from others, hear about their experiences, and validate our own life experiences. Below are local social and advocacy groups where people with Down syndrome of all ages and their families can find fun and support!
For those times when you need help beyond social supports for mental health and wellness, it can be stressful and difficult to find a doctor or other healthcare professional that understands the needs of and realities faced by someone with Down syndrome. Below is also a list of clinics with healthcare professionals who have experience working with individuals with Down syndrome.
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GiGi's Playhouse was founded by Nancy Gianni in order to ensure that individuals with Down syndrome, like her daughter GiGi, had a place to be celebrated and receive important resources. Today, GiGi's Playhouse has physical locations throughout the US, as well as a Virtual Playhouse available online, that offer free programming and 1:1 tutoring for individuals of all ages with Down syndrome. GiGi's offers people with Down syndrome and their families the chance to create meaningful friendships while encouraging positive life skills and participation in activities that they enjoy.
Follow the link to find locations, see a list of available programs, and learn all about the mission of GiGi's Playhouse!
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Your Local Down Syndrome Group
Most major cities throughout the United States have local Down syndrome associations that provide a place to learn insights from families and self-advocates, establish social connections, and grow in community through local events and fundraisers.
National advocacy groups like NDSS, NDSC, and Global Down syndrome Foundation offer valuable supports and information, but forming local connections allow for more consistent overlap and the potential to form meaningful relationships. Find your local Down syndrome group by googling "Down syndrome association near me" or "Down syndrome associations in (insert your city or state)".
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Facebook and Instagram Pages
A lot of times, it feels like parents (or siblings) know best! Getting advice and hearing stories from people who have been through situations before can provide validation and support when most needed.
Click here for information about facebook groups and instagram pages that provide a sense of community that most meet your needs. Searching hashtags like #Downsyndrome, #theluckyfew, or #321 can also help you find pages.
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People with Down syndrome have unique medical needs, so having healthcare professionals with experience working with individuals with Down syndrome can help alleviate some medical stress. Follow the link above to see a list of clinics by state as well as the link to the NDSC and Global Down Syndrome Foundation's list of clinics.
1. Chicoine, B. & Frank, K. (Adult Down Syndrome Center). (2021). Mental health causes for behavior change during pandemic [webinar]. https://adscresources.advocatehealth.com/mental-health-causes-for-behavior-change-during-a-pandemic-webinar-recording-3282021/
2. Dolva, A., Kollstad, M., & Kleiven, J. (2019). Friendships and patterns of social leisure participation among Norwegian adolescents with Down syndrome. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 32(5), 1184–1193. https://doi.org/10.1111/jar.12609
3. DSRF Canada (DSRF Canada). (2021). Feeling down, looking up: Mental health and Down syndrome [video].https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vzei1VY_4U
4. Foley, K.-R., Bourke, J., Einfeld, S. L., Tonge, B. J., Jacoby, P., & Leonard, H. (2015). Patterns of depressive symptoms and social relating behaviors differ over time from other behavioral domains for young people with Down syndrome. Medicine, 94(19), e710. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000000710
5. Smith, A., Gianni, G., & Gianni, N., (Self-Advocate and Hosts). (2021). A little something extra with Amy Smith [audio podcast episode]. In A Little Something Extra Podcast. https://gigisplayhouse.org/alittlesomethingextra/