Now And The Future

This episode showcases the bond between, and unique perspectives regarding, having a sibling with Down syndrome. We will discuss what this role has brought to the lives of the two siblings interviewed, Bekki and Laurel. You can read more about the sibling experience in the April 2021 issue of Down Syndrome Australia’s Voice magazine. Other helpful resources include:Siblings Australia is an organisation committed to promoting better support for siblings of children and adults with disability. You can find out more at the Siblings Australia website.It was founded by Kate Strohm, author of the book ‘Siblings’, which can be borrowed from DSQ’s library. In the ‘Our Stories’ section of the Down Syndrome Australia website, you can read about other families’ experiences when supporting their children to understand more about their brother or sister’s diagnosis.Read the story about Owen and his sisters here.The support services team at DSQ can assist with recommendations of a range of books to help siblings to understand more about Down syndrome. In addition, the team are happy to discuss any questions you may have about family dynamics; and we are here to listen to and support siblings of all ages to adjust and understand.Now And The Future is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland.If you have a question, would like more information on any of our episodes, or have suggestions for future topics, send us an email - [email protected] more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Mentioned in this episode:Down Syndrome Queensland

Welcome to Season 3 of the Now and the Future Podcast brought to you by Down Syndrome Queensland!Whilst it is commonly known that people with Down syndrome can be more likely to experience a range of possible health conditions, sometimes other non-medical diagnoses are subsequently made.Research is now suggesting that people with Down syndrome can meet diagnostic criteria for conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, at higher rates than seen in people without Down syndrome.In the past, this has commonly been referred to as ‘dual diagnosis’, however this term is no longer used as it can imply different meanings in other fields. The terms ‘co-occurring’ or‘ additional’ diagnosis are now preferred, and paired with the relevant condition e.g. Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (DS + ASD); Down syndrome and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (DS + ADHD).This episode will feature conversations with several parents whose children have subsequently received additional diagnoses. They explore what this has meant for their families and how it flows on to other settings, such as school or in the community.DSQ has previously recorded two webinars on the topic of Down syndrome + ASD; you can view these at the following links:View the webinar with Griffith University’s Autism Centre of Excellence (16.02.2021).View the webinar with Dr Honey Huessler on navigating the diagnosis process (July 2021)Down Syndrome Australia also has a fact sheet on Down syndrome and Autism which you can view here.The DSMIG (Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group) DS-ASD Workgroup and partner Autism Speaks collaborated to create a new resource for Down syndrome-autism spectrum disorder (DS-ASD).On the new DS-ASD page, you can read more about co-occurring Down syndrome and ASD, learn how autism presents differently in people with Down syndrome and access resources to further your education on this diagnosis.Now And The Future is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland.If you have a question, would like more information on any of our episodes, or have suggestions for future topics, send us an email - [email protected] more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Mentioned in this episode:Down Syndrome Queensland

In this episode of Now and the Future Podcast, we will be exploring the importance of nutrition for those who experience co-occurring health conditions or allergies. The role and importance of nutrition will look different across the lifespan; from those difficulties with establishing newborn feeding through to the impact of conditions in adulthood such as diabetes or thyroid concerns, it is vital to ensure that any person with Down syndrome has their nutrition needs reviewed regularly. We’ll be chatting with Matt Hart, Accredited Practicing Dietitian and Sports Dietitian, and founder of Hart Nutrition; and DSQ’s Community Engagement Officer, Gillian Gehrke, around her lived experience of the way in which Mosaic Down syndrome has impacted her in this area.If you’re interested in connecting with Matt following this episode, feel free to contact him on 0400 961 870 or via email [email protected] And The Future is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland.For more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Mentioned in this episode:Down Syndrome Queensland

In this episode, we talk to Natalie Graham and Gillian Gehrke about the National Inclusive Communication project.It's being run by Down Syndrome Australia and is looking to promote better health outcomes for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. The project aims to build the capacity of healthcare providers through online training and presentations delivering lived experience from a network of Health Ambassadors. You can find out more about this project at Health Ambassadors – Down Syndrome AustraliaNow And The Future is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland.For more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Mentioned in this episode:Down Syndrome Queensland

This week the Now and the Future podcast talks about Wills and Estates with Dion McCurdy, Principal of Direct Lawyers.  With over eight years of experience specialising in Wills and Estates, Dion provides fantastic insight and advice to ensure your affairs are in correct order for the future. A not to be missed episode for anyone with a child with an intellectual disability.Now And The Future is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland.For more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Mentioned in this episode:Down Syndrome Queensland

In this episode of the ‘Now and the Future’ Podcast, we talk to Teagan from Down Syndrome Queensland about the range of Social Programs offered for adults, teenagers and children to develop social skills and make new friends.  You may of heard about DSQ Club, DSQ Teens, DSQ Kids, Challenge Weekend or DSQ’s New Years Eve Ball; this episode is all about these programs. Why they are important, who they are aimed at and some of the outcomes for regular participants. We hear from Eoin and Kirrin about their experiences and also a parent who explains the personal growth she has seen in her daughter from participating in the programs.For more information on DSQ’s Programs and how you can become involved, please contact Teagan on (07) 3356 6655 or email [email protected] And The Future is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland.For more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Mentioned in this episode:Down Syndrome Queensland

Identifying as a carer is not always something that comes naturally to families who support a loved one with a disability. The line between what we see as the role of family and what are added or unique responsibilities when a family member has a disability can be very fluid and can also change over time. In this episode, we unpack this further with Kirsten and Claire from Carers Queensland and explore the various options for support, including for siblings and young carers. If you would like to contact Kirsten or Claire for more information or support, please call 1300 747 636 or head to the Carers Queensland website.Now And The Future is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland.For more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Mentioned in this episode:Down Syndrome Queensland

The Now And The Future podcast is an exciting way of sharing stories of Down Syndrome Queensland members, opportunities, challenges; and to provide support and expert advice for the Down Syndrome community.Down Syndrome Queensland’s vision is to support, advocate for and empower people with Down Syndrome to take their rightful places as valuable and contributing members of their community, both now and into the future. For more information please visit the Down Syndrome Queensland website, or follow us on Facebook.Mentioned in this episode:Down Syndrome Queensland

Latch On and the Continued Education Program (CEP) are two of the Programs delivered by DSQ to help enhance our members learning, now and in the future. Latch On has recently been introduced into DSQ's Programs and aims to change the lives of young adults with intellectual disabilities through its evidence-based literacy program. This 2-year program is developed by the University of Queensland and delivered by DSQ to provide students opportunities to increase their literacy skills using technology to enhance many areas.CEP was developed by Down Syndrome Queensland and is an ongoing holistic education program including components of real-world experiences. Students participate in structured learning activities in a classroom environment of no more than 12 students.In this episode we hear from Programs Manager, Andrew Dower for an overview of the programs and what they aim to achieve in our community. We will also hear from Latch On and CEP teacher, Abbie Simons and some current students on the benefits these programs have for the students, why there is such a need for these programs and why they choose to participate.For more information on DSQ’s Programs and how you can become involved, please contact Teagan on (07) 3356 6655 or email [email protected] in this episode:Down Syndrome Queensland

Join DSQ Education Consultant Joelle as she shares some points to consider when a student with Down syndrome enrols in school.Learn about equitable loading, risk-taking and mistake-making, breaking down stereotypes and development progression.Joelle aims to provide educators with some basic understandings about students with Down syndrome in order to support schools to become inclusive learning environments. Now And The Future is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland.For more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Mentioned in this episode:Down Syndrome Queensland

Join Down Syndrome Queensland’s Support Services team, and Peer Leader Niky, to hear about starting the conversation with regards to teaching about safeguarding and setting boundaries. Statistically, people with a disability can be more vulnerable to abuse; and this can be very confronting to process. However, there are strategies that can be used when assisting others to learn about respectful relationships and maintaining boundaries. Listen to this episode for tips on starting this conversation early.Now And The Future is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland.For more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Mentioned in this episode:Down Syndrome Queensland

The Peer Support Network is a volunteer program facilitated by Down Syndrome Queensland (DSQ).Peer Supporters are parents and close family members of people with Down syndrome, as well as people with Down Syndrome, across Queensland who want to offer support in their local community. This program is expanding and gaining momentum. Peer support as a model is growing in popularity across many sectors and areas, as a valuable intervention. Peers can offer unique and useful supportby virtue of having lived experience.In this episode, DSQ’s Peer Support Officer Christina Ranck chats with Early Years Officer Tanya McConnell about the value of the Peer Support Network and what it is providing DSQ members across the state. We also hear from a range of Peer Supporters about what they get out of this role, and what they have been able to contribute to the community.DSQ’s Peer Support program is funded by the Department of Social Security’s Information, Linkages and Capacity Building Program.For further information please contact the Peer Support Officer on (07) 3356 6655 or email [email protected] And The Future is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland.For more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Mentioned in this episode:Down Syndrome Queensland

Get Active is a social inclusion program and accompanying resource kit, offered by Down Syndrome Queensland to sporting communities across the state. The program educates local sport and physical activity providers (clubs, coaches and volunteers) to increase their capability to deliver accessible, inclusive programs that meet the needs of people with DS and other intellectual disabilities.In this episode, we hear from Get Active’s Program Coordinator, Liz Willis, about what the program aims to achieve and how it can support clubs, coaches and families to improve sporting participation rates in local areas. The episode also features Get Active Athlete Ambassador Ethan Parry, and Get Active Coach Ambassador Stix (Daniel) McGavin, as they encourage and inspire others to aim for inclusion. Ethan’s mother, Gail Parry, also shares her perspective on Ethan’s athletics pursuits.Get Active is funded by the Federal Department of Health under the Driving Social Inclusion Through Sport and Physical Activity Program.If you would like to learn more about Get Active, or contact Liz for assistance, head to www.getactive.net.auNow And The Future is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland.For more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Mentioned in this episode:Down Syndrome Queensland

The Now And The Future podcast is an exciting way of sharing stories of Down Syndrome Queensland members, opportunities, challenges; and to provide support and expert advice for the Down Syndrome community.Down Syndrome Queensland’s vision is to support, advocate for and empower people with Down Syndrome to take their rightful places as valuable and contributing members of their community, both now and into the future. For more information please visit the Down Syndrome Queensland website, or follow us on Facebook.Mentioned in this episode:Down Syndrome Queensland