CCDSN

A serving size is a recommended amount of food or drink. While measuring every piece of food or ounce of liquid we consume is unrealistic and unnecessary for many of us, we can get a general sense of serving sizes by using the size of our hand.

For example, a 1 cup serving of vegetables 🥦 is about the size of a fist ✊🏼. A 3-ounce serving of meat 🥩, fish 🍣, or poultry 🍗 is about the size of a palm 🖐.
These are general guidelines. Each person has unique nutritional needs. A registered dietician or other healthcare professional can help determine individual dietary needs.

Our Resource Library has a visual and video that share tips for eating appropriate amounts of foods and how the size of our hand can be used to estimate serving sizes. They are available for free at the link below.

🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/serving-sizes-video/

Thank you to Avenues to Independence for providing a filming location and assisting with coordination and filming of the video!

For people with and without Down syndrome, our needs may change as we age and/or develop health issues. We may need to make challenging decisions about where we live. Some questions that we may need to consider include:
▪ Should we stay in our current home?
▪ Should we seek in-home support?
▪ Should we move to an assisted living setting or nursing home?
▪ When is the optimal time to move?

In the article linked below, Brian Chicoine, MD, shares information that individuals with Down syndrome and their families may want to consider when answering these questions.
🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/increased-need-for-services-and-support/

Change can bring a lot of emotions. Whether it's starting a new job, moving to a new home, welcoming a new staff member, or facing another life transition, it's normal to feel uncertain. The good news is that having a plan can help us feel more prepared, supported, and confident.

We're excited to share My Change Plan, a new free resource in our online library. Developed by our occupational therapist, Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L, this worksheet helps individuals with Down syndrome think through upcoming changes and identify ways to navigate them successfully.

The worksheet encourages us to:
✅ Identify what is changing
✅ Explore how we feel about the change
✅ Think about who can support us
✅ Choose one thing we can do to help us feel better
✅ Remember the things that will stay the same

Access My Change Plan for free: https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/my-change-plan/

Community Organizations can have a tabletop display in the Resource Showcase at the 2026 Buddy Walk.

Know an organization that can benefit share this information with them.

Sign up for a FREE table at https://www.champaigndsn.org/buddywalk/showcase

Birth control includes a wide range of strategies and medications. Women with and without Down syndrome may use forms of birth control to:
➡ to treat common symptoms of menstruation such as heavy and very painful periods and/or
➡ prevent pregnancy

There are some factors that are unique to women with Down syndrome that are important to consider in discussions about birth control to ensure that women with Down syndrome receive individualized and optimal care.

In the article linked below, Hannah Graham, MD, discusses different forms of birth control and the benefits and risks associated with each form. The article also includes links to resources on other women's health topics.
🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/birth-control/

Buddy Walk Silent Auction - We are looking for donations of items to be packaged together or stand-alone items for Buddy Walk attendees to bid on. To learn more and donate, go to https://www.champaigndsn.org/buddywalk/silentauction. Thank you in advance for your generous contribution.

❤️ What goes into planning a successful date? From making decisions to communicating with others, the process offers valuable opportunities to build and practice life skills.

Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L, the occupational therapist at our clinic, has developed a resource to help individuals learn these important skills and build the confidence needed to plan a successful date. The resource includes step-by-step guidance, a summary worksheet, and an example that walks through the planning process.

The resource is available for free at the link below!

🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/how-to-plan-a-date-visual/

Call for photos! 📸 NDSC needs photos for marketing and social media! Submit your best photos for a chance to be featured on our social media pages during National Down Syndrome Awareness Month 💙💛

Submit here > https://forms.gle/7d6YZLbG1dnGyihm6

People with Down syndrome who have Alzheimer's disease may have changes in behavior as the disease progresses.

Sometimes, this is a natural part of the progression of Alzheimer's disease; however, that is not always the case. The change may have other reversible causes. An evaluation for medical problems (including pain), environmental factors, mental health changes, and other issues may find a cause that is not directly related to Alzheimer's disease. Careful assessment is important when a person with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease has a change in behavior.

Brian Chicoine, MD, provides additional information in the article linked below.

🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/behavior-change-alzheimers-disease/

Did you know? There are many activities that not only provide a fun experience but also provide an opportunity to practice and improve fine motor skills. From doing puzzles and playing games to baking with cookie cutters and making jewelry, we use fine motor skills to enjoy a wide range of activities.

Individuals with Down syndrome may have trouble completing fine motor tasks for a number of reasons, including low muscle tone, increased joint laxity, and others. Working on these skills doesn't need to be a bore or a chore! Our occupational therapist, Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L, compiled a list of a variety of activities that individuals with Down syndrome can do to have fun while also practicing fine motor skills. Check it out at the link below ⬇

🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/fun-activities-to-improve-fine-motor-skills/