Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County

11/19/2025

Thank you to all of the teens who joined us for our Fall Fling Teen Dance on Friday night and to .andersonjones for providing the tunes and energy! 🪩

11/19/2025

Setting goals, making plans, managing schedules, and navigating daily life require certain skills and mental processes that are collectively called "executive function" or "executive functioning." Executive function includes working memory, flexible thinking, self-control, and problem solving.

Some people with Down syndrome benefit from additional support to learn and develop executive functioning skills and/or to access and use accommodations for tasks that require executive functioning skills. Our Resource Library has a list of articles and videos that provide more information about executive functioning in people with Down syndrome. Check out the list at the link below!
🔗 https://adscresources.advocatehealth.com/resources-on-executive-functioning-and-down-syndrome/

11/19/2025

These behaviors aren’t signs of defiance. They’re signals of dysregulation. 🫨

“What might this student’s body be trying to tell us?” When the nervous system feels overwhelmed, students enter fight, flight, or freeze states to protect themselves. Instead of viewing these actions as disrespect or avoidance, let's start looking beneath the behavior 💬

Listen to Episode 58 of The Inclusion Podcast to learn more about human ways of being and how to best support students in the moment!

https://www.inclusiveschooling.com/why-running-and-refusing-arent-the-real-problem/

11/19/2025

Urinary retention is the build-up of excessive urine in the bladder. It appears to be more common in people with Down syndrome. Possible complications include:
▫️urinary tract infections
▫️urinary incontinence (accidents)
▫️abdominal pain/discomfort
▫️kidney damage

There are treatments for urinary retention. Urinating every 2-3 hours is one way to prevent the bladder from becoming overfilled. We often recommend using watch/phone alarms, visual schedules, and other reminder systems to encourage individuals with Down syndrome to urinate more regularly. Learn more about urinary retention in people with Down syndrome in the article linked below.
🔗 https://adscresources.advocatehealth.com/resources/urinary-retention/

11/18/2025

🌟 DSNMC is Hiring! 🌟

We’re looking for a Youth Program Coordinator to create and lead inclusive programs for school-aged children with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.

This part-time, hybrid role includes building evidence-based programs, fostering community partnerships, and supporting children’s growth.

📩 Apply by December 8, 2025: Send your resume and cover letter to brooke@dsnmc.org.

Learn more here: https://dsnmc.org/support/employment.html

Help us make a difference for children with Down syndrome! 💙

11/14/2025

🎬 SACN Movie Outing: Wicked for Good! 🍿

Join the Self-Advocate Community Network (SACN) at DSNMC for the long-awaited sequel to the 2024 Wicked movie, Wicked for Good!

👉 Learn more & to register, click on the image below!

You’re invited

11/14/2025

🎬 Teen Lunch & Movie Outing: Wicked for Good! 🍿

Come hang out with the DSNMC Transitioning Youth & Adult team for the opening weekend of Wicked for Good!

This fun outing is for teens with Down syndrome (ages 14–19 or in a high school transition program) and their non-DSNMC friends. Grab a buddy and join us!

👉 Learn more & register here, by clicking on the image below!

You’re invited

11/14/2025

Thank you to the Carl M. Freeman Foundation for awarding DSNMC a FACES grant which will support our summer College and Career Readiness Program.

11/13/2025

Join us for the December Playgroup for ages 0-4 on Saturday, December 13th at the MOCO Movement Center!

To register for this event: https://dsnmc.networkforgood.com/events/91315-december-0-4-playgroup-at-moco-movement-center

11/13/2025

We have 14 tickets left for tomorrow's Fall Fling Dance!

This is for teens with and without disabilities, ages 14-19, or in a high school transition program.

To get your tickets for tomorrow events: https://dsnmc.networkforgood.com/events/93595-fall-fling-teen-dance

Join us this Friday, November 14th, for the Fall Fling Teen Dance!

This is a dance for teens with Down syndrome (ages 14-19 or in a high school transition program) and their non-DSNMC friends!

For more information and to register: https://dsnmc.networkforgood.com/events/93595-fall-fling-teen-dance

11/13/2025

Artwork Submissions Sought for Art in Full Spectrum Exhibit at the Maryland General Assembly!🎨🖌

State Senator Sara Love and Delegate Michele Guyton are pleased to invite Maryland artists with disabilities to apply for a special art exhibition at the Maryland General Assembly during the 2026 legislative session (January–April 2026).

"Art in Full Spectrum" will celebrate the creativity, perspectives, and contributions of Marylanders with disabilities, showcasing the power of art to foster inclusion, awareness, and community among state leaders and the public.

Click here to read application criteria and apply by December 1st https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1KcAMwk54-zV30kan1W3RniYLgS6ZSMZEfivdr45Ht2c/viewform?edit_requested=true