Rediscover Best Buddies: Building a More Inclusive World
Guest blogger Tracy Churchman shares the amazing offerings and wonders of today's Best Buddies program Hi, my name is Tracy Churchman and...
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Welcome to
BEYOND DOWN SYNDROME
Home of
THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE
for FAMILIES with
DOWN SYNDROME
Plans and Actions for Independence at Every Stage of Life
Video & Podcast Offerings
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Latest Guest Podcast on Independence:
Independence can be scary and overwhelming, especially for those in the Down syndrome and I/DD community.
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Our Independence Checkup gauges how you are progressing and provides essential guidance to keep moving forward.
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After you complete this form, you will receive your score and essential information to advance your independence journey.
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Steve Friedman
- 7 days ago
- 5 min
Carolyn's Inspiring Story of Daniel Overcoming Communication Challenges
My name is Carolyn and I started out my career in education and have worked with people with disabilities for 40 years. I had been...
1220
Steve Friedman
- Sep 20
- 6 min
Their Dream Must Be Our Dream
Putting Our Loved Ones First We all want our independence. It's a natural human drive. A recent study showed personal happiness is most...
780
Steve Friedman
- Sep 13
- 5 min
Chatty Camille Still Tackling Social Challenges
Camille and her mom Larina tackle the hidden challenges of socializing with DS Brian and I live in Davidson, a vibrant college town just...
1081
Steve Friedman
- Sep 6
- 3 min
Valuable Resources for Families with Down Syndrome
50 linked resources to support your self-advocate's independence journey During Gwendolyn's independence journey, we've gathered some...
1670
Steve Friedman
- Aug 30
- 9 min
Can't Envision Moving Day? Now You Can!
The 4-Step Process to Finding the Right Place In the past, I've shared blogs about our daughter's journey to independent living. I've...
1010
Steve Friedman
- Aug 23
- 8 min
Individuals with Down Syndrome are NOT Always Happy: This is How You Can Help
Guest blogger Michele Mattox provides lots of essential and sage advice to help address mental health challenges for our loved ones with...
3540
Steve Friedman
- Aug 16
- 6 min
Gwendolyn Moves Out
How it feels when it really happens... For Gwendolyn and our family we believe, as with her siblings, she can have it all. Each would...
1190
Steve Friedman
- Aug 9
- 5 min
Dutch is Paving his Own Independence Path
Rebekah shares her heartwarming story of goal setting and support to help Dutch gain employment and a place of his own. Dutch was born in...
1380
Steve Friedman
- Aug 2
- 8 min
Guardianship and Alternatives
Guardianship is one of those essential topics families with Down syndrome should not avoid. You do have options but if you do nothing,...
2002
Steve Friedman
- Jul 26
- 4 min
Fionn's Story of Determination is Inspiring
We are Jonathan, Veronica, and Fionn. We currently live in Ireland. Fionn is 26 and has Down syndrome. Years ago, we asked our teenage...
2230
Steve Friedman
- Jul 18
- 5 min
Overcoming Down Syndrome Plateaus
What to do when your adult with Down syndrome feels sluggish We all plateau at times. We get kinda sluggish, stuck in a rut, losing some...
3180
Steve Friedman
- Jul 12
- 6 min
Ayla's Journey Through the Storm
A heartbreaking story of personal regression and the journey to return Something was happening to my stepdaughter, Ayla, in the fall of...
3020
Steve Friedman
- Jul 5
- 7 min
3 Legal Documents You Should Have in Place Now
Including a free Letter of Intent template Give yourself and your family the peace of mind that your loved one is being properly taken...
2940
Steve Friedman
- Jun 28
- 8 min
Red Flags Warnings During Your Housing Search
How to Identify The Warning Signs Before It's Too Late Congratulations! You've prepared your family for the big move for your adult...
1720
Steve Friedman
- Jun 21
- 7 min
Start Your Independence Plan Early...and How
4 Tips for New Parents For new parents, independence for their child with Down syndrome may seem like only a distant dream. It is so far...
1090
Steve Friedman
- Jun 13
- 4 min
For Chaya, Her Parents Nurtured Her Independence and It's Paying Off
Chaya's energy and initiative shine through and she continues to blossom Our entire philosophy in raising Chaya has been: accommodate,...
3070
Steve Friedman
- Jun 7
- 7 min
10 Pillars of Independence Made Simple
It's never too early nor too late to make a plan! Whether your loved one with Down syndrome is 1 or 51, contemplating independence can be...
1980
Steve Friedman
- May 30
- 5 min
For Slayton, Chores Have Paved The Way to Skills and Confidence
Stacy Lynn shares the inspiring story of her son, Slayton Little By Little Slayton is a kind, strong, well-adjusted 16-year-old now, but...
1650
Steve Friedman
- May 24
- 5 min
Independence Can be Scary!
Planning Futures with our Adults with Down Syndrome Independence for our children with Down syndrome can be quite scary, regardless of...
970
Steve Friedman
- May 17
- 4 min
Amanda's Story: Independent from Day One
Support is a springboard to a vibrant life! From the day Amanda was born, she was fighting for her life, her breath, and her...
1460
Steve Friedman
- May 9
- 7 min
5 Common Health Risks to Prepare for Now
The prevalence of these conditions within our community will shock you and become an urgent call to action! In addition to the various...
1870
Steve Friedman
- May 2
- 4 min
Dale is Empowered for Independence
Unique Approach Sparks Confidence and Independence In the 1990s I was an educator for adults with learning difficulties. I met loads of...
1570
Steve Friedman
- Apr 26
- 6 min
What Goes on in Their Head?
Adults with Down syndrome often drop subtle clues to their thoughts & dreams "Gwen May Not Speak" I've always been curious about the...
3450
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