Down Syndrome Information Sessions

Down Syndrome Information Sessions

Information regarding individuals of all ages. Attend 1, 2, or all 3 sessions! Light breakfast and lunch are included with registration.

By Down Syndrome Association of Delaware

Date and time

Saturday, January 28, 2023 · 9:30am - 3:30pm EST

Location

St. Edmond's Academy

2120 Veale Road Wilmington, DE 19810

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.
Eventbrite's fee is nonrefundable.

About this event

These information sessions are presented in partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware and the Delaware County Down Syndrome Interest Group thanks to a generous grant from the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

These sessions are great for parents, guardians, adult siblings, teachers, paraprofessionals or anyone who interacts with individuals with Down syndrome in a personal or professional setting.

If your family is unable to afford the cost of attending, please email the following contact based on your location:

  • PA: Patty at pattywhitern@verizon.net
  • DE: Lauren at executivedirector@dsadelaware.org

Lina Patel, PsyD is an Associate Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, practicing at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Dr. Patel is the Director of the Down Syndrome Behavioral Health Collaborative, a virtual clinic providing tele-behavioral health services to children, teens and young adults with Down syndrome. She provides consultation with schools, parent training regarding the management of challenging or unsafe behaviors, toilet training, and desensitization to medical devices (such as hearing aids and CPAP) and procedure-related distress. She has worked with hundreds of individuals with Down syndrome. Outside of her clinical work, she conducts research as the Director of Neurodevelopmental, Behavioral and Cognitive Assessment at the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome. Additionally, she has presented to numerous organizations across the country and internationally and is the coauthor “Potty Time for Kids with Down Syndrome: Lose the Diapers, Not Your Patience”.

Session 1: Executive Functioning (9:30-11:00 am)

*Applicable for ALL ages

This session will explore the different aspects of our thinking skills (executive function) and how they are impacted in Down syndrome. Dr. Patel will share information about how these skills impact learning, daily living skills, and independence at home, at school, and out in the community.

Session 2: Behavior Issues & Solutions (11:15 am-12:45 pm)

*Applicable for ALL ages

Individuals with Down syndrome frequently experience challenging behaviors in day to day life. This presentation will discuss common presenting issues, explore more immediate and longer term factors impacting behaviors, and offer solutions.

Session 3: Potty Training (2:00-3:30 pm)

*Highly recommended if you are just considering the process, have been trying for years or are currently in the midst of potty training. Consider attending even if you child is too young to start so you have the tools necessary when they are ready!

Toilet training is an area that is incredibly complex and can be a frustrating process for families. This presentation will begin by reviewing the medical (constipation, chronic GI conditions, diet, parasympathetic nervous system), behavioral (motivation, timing, other family stressors), and environmental factors (parent readiness, consistency across settings) that impact children with Down syndrome more significantly than their neurotypical peers. Steps to take to begin the toilet training process within each of these categories will be presented along with proactive strategies to address common areas of challenge.

Organized by

Down Syndrome Association of Delaware

Please note: For online purchases, there is a credit card processing fee associated with each online payment. If you'd like to avoid the fee, you are always welcome to mail a check to: DSA of DE PO Box 747 Middletown, DE 19709. Checks should be made payable to the DSA and please include a note referencing the event you are registering for. Please email info@dsadelaware.org so we can hold your spot until the check is received.

If you are unable to afford tickets to any of our events, please email Lauren Camp Gates at executivedirector@dsadelaware.org.

The DSA of Delaware was founded by parents of children with Down syndrome and continues to be driven by parents, family members and others who have a passion for individuals with Down syndrome.  Together we share knowledge and experiences with other families, and help and support new parents.  We promote the need to continue to education ourselves, educational and medical professionals and the public about Down syndrome.  We embrace all of the things our children can do and their potential to be an integral part of our local communities.

Every person is a unique individual with strengths, gifts and dreams. As parents, families and friends of children and young adults with Down syndrome, the DSA of Delaware members have discovered that every person has something special to offer. The individuals in their lives with Down syndrome may have different needs than those who do not, however their ability to enrich, teach and challenge is the same.

Founded in 1979, the DSA of Delaware is a statewide non-profit support group, organized and managed by parents of people with Down syndrome. They aim to be a supportive resource, advocating for the acceptance and understanding that allows individuals with Down syndrome to achieve the same level of access and opportunity as their peers.

Membership and participation is open to all parents, relatives, friends and professionals desiring to make a positive impact on the life of people with Down syndrome.

Membership in the organization is not required to participate in any event held by the DSA of Delaware. Membership does provide for a few privileges:

  • Members vote on by law changes and organizational direction at the annual membership meeting
  • Members can obtain reduced rates on some DSA of Delaware conferences and workshops
  • Members are eligible to apply for scholarships or stipends when available
  • Members provide general support annually to the organization

Membership is annual and can be initiated at any time during the year. Membership dues are $15 per family. To establish membership please make your $15 contribution through the donate form online. Remember to indicate “membership” in the Tribute box on the donation form. Or by mailing a check with “membership” noted on the check.

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