Down Syndrome Association of San Diego

Down Syndrome Association of San Diego Come join us at the San Diego Buddy walk on October 26th 1-4pm. Link is in the events!

08/26/2026

Español Abajo / Spanish Below

Parenting Hacks: Mental Health and Tips for Navigating Crisis

Led by Wajdi Akef Fakhoury, LMFT, Clinical Director of CA-START San Diego, and Crystal Barard, Coaching Team Lead of CA-START San Diego, this training offers parents and caregivers practical tools for supporting loved ones with neurodevelopmental differences, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and co-occurring mental health needs before, during, and after moments of crisis. Participants will learn how to recognize early warning signs, respond in ways that first support calming and connection, and reduce escalation through simple trauma-informed strategies. The training also highlights realistic crisis planning, caregiver recovery, sibling support, and rebuilding connection after difficult moments.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/yWAxTlrrSC-7Pv1Ra8s6Pw

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“Turcos” para padres: Salud mental y cómo manejar una crisis

Impartida por Wajdi Akef Fakhoury, LMFT, Director Clínico de CA-START San Diego, y Crystal Barard, Líder del Equipo de Coaching de CA-START San Diego, esta capacitación ofrece a madres, padres y cuidadores herramientas prácticas para apoyar a sus seres queridos con diferencias en el neurodesarrollo, discapacidades intelectuales y del desarrollo, y necesidades de salud mental concurrentes antes, durante y después de una crisis. Participantes aprenderán a reconocer las señales de alerta temprana, responder de manera que favorezca primero la calma y la conexión, y ayudar a evitar que las situaciones se intensifiquen mediante estrategias sencillas con enfoque informado sobre el trauma. La capacitación también aborda la planificación realista para situaciones de crisis, la recuperación del cuidador, el apoyo entre hermanos y cómo restablecer la conexión después de momentos difíciles.

Inscríbase aquí: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/yWAxTlrrSC-7Pv1Ra8s6Pw

08/26/2026

FREE Webinar 👉 Understanding Men's Health in Down Syndrome

Join us on Wednesday, August 26, at 11:00 a.m. CDT to learn about health considerations for males with Down syndrome.

Males with Down syndrome may experience certain health conditions differently than females and may also face unique health concerns throughout their lives. In this webinar, Brian Chicoine, MD, will discuss common health topics affecting males with Down syndrome, including growth and development, muscle health, mental health, fertility, aging, and cancer risk. Attendees will learn about recommended health screenings, signs and symptoms to watch for, and practical ways to support lifelong health and well-being.

Learn more and register ➡ https://adultdownsyndrome.org/events/mens-health-webinar-08-26-2026/

Can't attend live? Register to receive a link to the recording!

08/21/2026

🫀 Many people with Down syndrome have blood pressures on the lower side of normal or lower than normal. Normal, or ideal, blood pressure is between 90/60 and 120/80 mm Hg. Many people with Down syndrome have a blood pressure that is closer to 90/60 or below 90/60. Differences in how the autonomic nervous system functions in people with Down syndrome may contribute to these lower blood pressure readings.

Even with blood pressures that are on the lower side of normal or even lower than normal, many people with Down syndrome don’t have symptoms associated with low blood pressures. Typical blood pressure for each person with Down syndrome is unique to that individual. Similarly, the pressure that is “too low” and results in symptoms varies from person to person. It is important to check blood pressure periodically (such as at doctor's appointments) to determine what a person's typical blood pressure is. If an individual becomes ill, it is helpful to be able to compare their blood pressure to their typical blood pressure.

Additional information on blood pressure in people with Down syndrome is available in the article by Brian Chicoine, MD linked below.
🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/blood-pressure/

Save the date for our annual San Diego Buddy Walk on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 1 to 4 p.m. at De Anza Cove at Mission Bay! R...
08/21/2026

Save the date for our annual San Diego Buddy Walk on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 1 to 4 p.m. at De Anza Cove at Mission Bay! Registration opens soon.

08/19/2026

Español abajo / Spanish Below

San Diego Civic Youth Ballet announces the 10 year of Ballet for Me program.

Don’t miss this if you are interested in ballet for your child with a disability or unique physical need.

Some of our most treasured values here at SDCYB are that “everybody has the opportunity to dance” and we “embrace and celebrate the diversity of our students.” It is with those thoughts in mind that we are proud to offer our Ballet for Me! program for the 10th consecutive year. Taught by Miss Denise, this is a 10-week, tuition-waived classical ballet class designed specifically for children ages 7 to 18 with disabilities or unique physical needs.

Register here: https://app.jackrabbitclass.com/regv2.asp?id=511773

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El San Diego Civic Youth Ballet anuncia el décimo aniversario del programa Ballet for Me.

No te lo pierdas si te interesa el ballet para tu hijo con una discapacidad o una necesidad física única.

Algunos de nuestros valores más valiosos aquí en SDCYB son que "todo el mundo tiene la oportunidad de bailar" y que "abrazamos y celebramos la diversidad de nuestros estudiantes." Con esos pensamientos en mente, ¡estamos orgullosos de ofrecer nuestro Ballet for Me! programa por décimo año consecutivo. Impartida por la señorita Denise, esta es una clase de ballet clásico de 10 semanas, sin matrícula, diseñada específicamente para niños de 7 a 18 años con discapacidades o necesidades físicas específicas.

Regístrate aquí: https://app.jackrabbitclass.com/regv2.asp?id=511773

07/01/2026

🔬 Mitochondria are small structures inside the cells of the body. They are often called the "powerhouses" of the cell because they make about 90% of the energy cells need.

Mitochondrial dysfunction occurs when the mitochondria do not work as well as they should. Many factors can contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction, including genetics, medications, pollution, aging, and some viruses. People with Down syndrome have mitochondrial dysfunction due to having an extra copy of the 21st chromosome.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to several health conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, obesity, diabetes, and others. It is not clear whether the mitochondrial dysfunction causes the condition, the condition causes the mitochondrial dysfunction, or other factors cause both. Research is ongoing. Brian Chicoine, MD, shares more information in the article linked below.

🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/mitochondria-in-down-syndrome/

06/23/2026

Don't miss the chance to join our Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) team in the July Power Hour: Day Program Expectations!

🗓️ July 1st at 10am on Zoom
Register to save your spot: https://f.mtr.cool/dwectngudn

06/18/2026

Today we are spotlighting handouts about skin conditions in people with Down syndrome from The Society for Pediatric Dermatology. The handouts refer to infants, children, and teenagers with Down syndrome; however, much of the information is also applicable to adults with Down syndrome.

Find information about:
✅ Dry skin
✅ Folliculitis
✅ Hidradenitis suppurativa
✅ Rashes around the mouth
✅ Syringomas
✅ Seborrheic dermatitis
✅ Tinea pedis and onychomycosis
✅ and more!

See our Resource Library for links to the handouts and other resources on skin conditions in people with Down syndrome.
🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/spd-skin-handouts/

Español abajo / Spanish BelowAttention Early Intervention families, providers and community partners. Please take a mome...
06/15/2026

Español abajo / Spanish Below

Attention Early Intervention families, providers and community partners.

Please take a moment to complete and share the Voices from the Field: Family/Early Identification & Intervention Partners Survey with families, EI providers, and EI community partners in your network.

This survey, available in English and Spanish, seeks input on access to services that support the development of children ages 0–3. The survey will remain open through June 30, 2026. Survey links and QR codes are included below. If you have any questions, please contact Fran Chasen, who is copied on this email.

English Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/voices_en

Thank you in advance for your support!

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Atención a las familias, proveedores y socios comunitarios de Intervención Temprana.

Por favor, tómate un momento para completar y compartir Voces desde el terreno: Encuesta a familias y socios de identificación e intervención temprana con las familias, proveedores de IE y socios comunitarios de IE en tu red.

Esta encuesta, disponible en inglés y español, busca opiniones sobre el acceso a servicios que apoyen el desarrollo de niños de 0 a 3 años. La encuesta permanecerá abierta hasta el 30 de junio de 2026. A continuación se incluyen enlaces de encuestas y códigos QR. Si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor contacte con Fran Chasen, que está copiada en este correo electrónico.

Encuesta en español: https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/voices_sp

¡Gracias de antemano por vuestro apoyo!

05/20/2026

NDSS is honored to support self-advocates with Down syndrome in pursuing their goals, whether it’s starting a business, continuing education, or following a personal passion.

🚨 Find an NDSS scholarship that's right for you or someone you know and 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟮𝗻𝗱 at ndss.org/scholarships.

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6367 Alvarado Court, Suite 350
San Diego, CA
92120

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