Meeting

3. Meeting • Houston, TX • Down Syndrome Association of Houston (DSAH) • Meetings: Held the fourth Saturday •   10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. English • 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Spanish • Location: Down Syndrome Resource Center located at 7015 W. Tidwell Bldg G Suite 108 Houston TX 77092 • Casual informal meeting.

4. Meeting Topic ( Myths about DS) • Myth: Behavior problems and depression are just part of having Down syndrome • Truth: Often, medical or mental health problems go untreated due to the assumption that it is typical of having this genetic condition. Complete examinations by appropriate health care professionals should alwaysbe pursued. • Myth: Adults with Down syndrome may be unable to work. • Truth: Businesses seek young adults with Down syndrome for a variety of positions. They are employed by banks, corporations, nursing homes, hotels and restaurants. They work in the music and entertainment industry. People with Down syndrome bring to their jobs enthusiasm, reliability and dedication. • Myth: People with Down syndrome are always happy. • People with Down syndrome have feelings just like everyone else in the population. They respond to positiveexpressions of friendship and they are hurt and upset by inconsiderate behavior.

5. Most Common Questions asked • Did I do anything to cause Down syndrome? Down syndrome is never anyone's fault. It just happens. • Is Down syndrome hereditary? About 1/100 cases of Down syndrome may be inherited. Parents whose child has this type of chromosomal abnormality should seek genetic counseling. • Can Down syndrome be cured? No, it cannot be cured. • Do all babies with Down syndrome have a heart condition? Approximately 47% of children with Down syndrome will have a heart condition. • Do all babies with Down syndrome have medical problems? • Having Down syndrome does not guarantee any medical condition.  • Most children with Down syndrome are healthy and active and will benefit from a variety of opportunities just like the other children in the family • What will my child be able to achieve? Like any other child, babies with Down syndrome vary in their abilities and achievements so it is not possible to predict your baby’s abilities and future achievements at birth.

6. Programs Offered • Camp Ability • Parents Night Out • Club 21 • Buddy Walk • Chevron Houston Marathon

7. Camp Ability • a summer day camp for children/teens with Down syndrome and their siblings ages 3-17 years at the dash Resource Center. • They will have activities such crafts, music, games, reading, writing, a snack, and most of all-fun! • Session I Preschoolers 3-6 years old – June 25 – June 29. • Session II School-aged 7-12 years old – July 16 – July 20. • Session III Teens 13-17 years old – July 30 – Aug 3.

8. Parents Night Out • Every Friday from 6:30pm to 10:00pm • Cost: $10 for the first child • Where: at the DSRC – 7015 W. Tidwell Bldg. G Suite 108 Houstn, TX 77092 • Parents Night Out is an out-of-home respite program for individuals with ALL types of disabilities.  • Ages 6-14 and Siblings Ages 6-10

9. Club 21 • is a social club for individuals, ages 13 to 99, who have Down syndrome. • provides social activities for our members at the Resource Center and out in the community.

10. 2012 Houston Buddy Walk • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2012 ~ DIAMOND LOT MINUTE MAID PARK ~ 9AM – 1PM • An event that not only empowers but brings awareness

11. 2012-2013 Chevron Houston Marathon • DSAH is one of the official charities of the Houston Chevron Marathon! • Every year they form a team to run in this event to bring awareness to down syndrome

12. Resources • Options for day care • Waiver list: • Assisting living 22 and older • Nursing homes for children • Personal nurse • In home family support programs • Recommended therapist • Websites that talking about coping and recourses.