In this presentation, Dr Brian Skotko reviews all of the questions and concerns that parents most often have about their sons and daughters with Down syndrome. He provides the answers and action steps, stemming from the latest clinical research on people with Down syndrome. Based on his clinical experience in the Down Syndrome Program at Massachusetts General […]

This panel features parents sharing their experiences in striving to create a good life for their children. They will discuss the challenges they've faced, the strategies that have supported them, and the sources of resilience that have helped them persevere. This discussion aims to provide inspiration and ractical advice for parents facing their own challenges […]

Almost all children with Down syndrome will experience sleep problems during childhood. However, sleep is not often a priority for management, with the focus being on other more acute medical problems. Studies have shown that children with Down syndrome who also have sleep problems have poorer outcomes and family functioning can be significantly affected by […]

Join us for an engaging session that will kick off with the launch of a new video designed to enhance the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association’s (NZDSA) employment resource kit. Created in partnership with Kindred – Psychology at Work, this video is a key component in promoting inclusive hiring practices and supporting both job seekers […]

In 2020 the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association's (NZDSA) leadership and advisory group for people with Down syndrome, known as STRIVE, decided to conduct research to understand how people with Down syndrome in Aotearoa New Zealand were coping with the COVID-19 pandemic and the first major lockdown. The presenters will discuss the team's experiences and […]

This presentation is aimed at parents of young people with Down syndrome, focusing on the profound impact of speech-language therapy in enhancing their child's quality of life. The presentation will emphasise how speech-language therapy goes beyond communication skills, serving as a key component in fostering independence, confidence, and overall well-being.Victoria joined UpsideDowns in January of […]

Numicon and other approaches have provided schools and families with tools to make the understanding and use of maths accessible. The results are exciting and provide a justification for the inclusive education of our children. The impact of inclusion is far-reaching. We will explore the challenges of maths, research in education of children with Down […]

When democracy was first getting started, only men with property could vote. these days, in most parts of the world, everyone over the age of 18 can have a say in who their leaders are - whether they have two X chromosomes or three copies of chromosome 21! Unfortunately, much of the political process is […]

It's crucial to consider how children and young people develop their ability to express themselves through spoken, visual, and written language. Teachers and families can aid in this development by using a range of tools. Inclusive literacy design helps students develop their literacy skills across all subjects. It aims to improve their understanding, competency, communication, […]

It is commonly known that ‘early intervention’ is key in ensuring the best possible outcomes for children with Down syndrome. And while access to a comprehensive team of therapists to support this is ideal, it is often not an option in Aotearoa for all whānau. However, there is a lot that families can do without […]

Two of the most common, yet challenging, questions that Dr Skotko is asked by caregivers: (1) How can you prevent Alzheimer’s disease in people with Down syndrome? and (2) How might we boost their cognition? While exciting research is unfolding in laboratories across the world, there are strategies that caregivers can take right now in […]

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises breastfeeding as a critical component of infant health and feeding, and this offers numerous benefits to babies, including those with Down syndrome (World Health Organization, 2019). This presentation examines the evidence supporting the unique advantages of breastfeeding for infants with Down syndrome and its potential to optimise their health […]

Gabrielle: ''What do you see when you look at me?" "I bet you see my disability. yet when I look at you I'm not looking for your disability because everyone has them." "What you cannot see are my talents." It's time to change the erspective and together we can do just that. Molly "Guess what?" […]

Music therapy has been transforming the lives of disabled people and those with mental health conditions in Aotearoa for 50 years this year. To mark the occasion, Registered Music Therapists from across the motu and beyond Aotearoa are converging on Wellington in September for a conference to share their insights and inspirations. Sarah works at […]

Volition is on a mission to empower everyone to be a decision-maker in their own lives. It's a human right! ​Volition champions supported decision making. This presentation will include an introduction to the principles of Supported Decision Making, then take a closer look at Volition, a new app to support Decision Makers and Supporters to collaborate […]

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