TEENS AGES 13-17

 

As children progress into the teen years, families begin to look ahead to high school and transition planning. Many parents look for advice and support as they start to think and plan for life after high school with their self-advocate with Down syndrome. Our Teen Program is designed to provide information, resources, support, and connection opportunities for teens and their family members. The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas offers a variety of educational seminars, a comprehensive online resource library, as well as social and recreational events for families and teens with Down syndrome. Our staff is also available to help provide direction and referrals as families learn about the transition planning process and options after high school.

 

INFORMATION & RESOURCES

EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS
Series of educational seminars and webinars that bring together local and national experts to help educate families on some of the most commonly asked questions at each life stage.

ONLINE RESOURCE LIBRARY
Our most trusted resources in multiple categories for you to browse online anytime.

DOWN SYNDROME CLINIC AT CHILDREN’S HEALTH℠
Specialty clinic designed to provide comprehensive medical care, with a primary focus on behavioral health needs, to children and teens with Down syndrome. A team of providers from different disciplines come together to provide a variety of services, often within one visit. Providers include a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics fellow, Developmental Nurse Practitioner, Geneticist, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Genetic Counselor and Social Worker.

DOWN SYNDROME GUIDELINES FOR INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
First document of its kind in the United States developed by the National Down Syndrome Society and Down Syndrome Education International to address the education settings that support students with Down syndrome.

CONNECT WITH OUR TEAM
We probably have a resource for that! Our staff and Board include former educators, parents, and other professionals. Please reach out with any questions, concerns, or resource referral requests.

SUPPORT & CONNECTIONS

PRIVATE MEMBER FACEBOOK GROUP
Connect with other parents online at anytime through our private member Facebook Group. Must be a parent and current member of the DSG.

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
Sorry, no kids allowed! Social activities for moms, dads, and couples to connect in a fun setting with other adults.

FAMILY SOCIAL EVENTS
Social activities for teens and their family members designed to promote life-long family connections. Locations and activities vary throughout the year.

SPRING FAMILY PICNIC
Annual membership-wide picnic that includes family fun for all ages.

ICAN SHINE SWIM & BIKE CAMPS
Week-long camps that teach children and teens with disabilities water safety skills or how to ride a two-wheel bicycle. Camp offerings vary each summer.

BUDDY UP FOR LIFE
The DSG is proud to support Buddy Up for Life programs, which teaches a variety of sports and fitness skills to children and adults with Down syndrome. See Buddy Up Dallas (Tennis, Pickleball & Fitness) and Buddy Up McKinney (Pickleball).

BUDDY WALK®
The largest community wide celebration of people with Down syndrome in North Texas. The event features family-friendly activities for all ages and an awareness walk. Proceeds benefit the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas.

upcoming events:

Calendar
FULL: 2025 iCan Swim Camp for Ages 3 and Older
Jul 14
FULL: 2025 iCan Swim Camp for Ages 3 and Older

iCan Shine's iCan Swim program teaches individuals with disabilities (ages 3 and up) the basics of water safety and independent movement in the water. Each swimmer has unique goals, from water exploration and safety to learning to swim or preparing for a swim team like Special Olympics or Paralympics. Goals are achieved in a safe, inclusive, and fun environment with volunteer support.

DSG Night at the Ballpark for All Ages
Jul 19
DSG Night at the Ballpark for All Ages

In honor of the 2025 Dallas Buddy Walk® this October, DSG families and supporters are invited to join us for a night at the ballpark. Families can get a sneak peek of our new Buddy Walk® venue while watching the Frisco Rough Riders take on the Corpus Christi Hooks. Representatives from the Down Syndrome Guild will be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, and kids are invited to run the bases after the game.

DSA Biobank: Help Shape the Future of Down Syndrome Research
Jul 22
DSA Biobank: Help Shape the Future of Down Syndrome Research

DownSyndrome Achieves Biobank will be conducting a blood draw collection event in partnership with the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas. Teens and adults with Down syndrome and their immediate family members (ages 14+) are eligible to help basic scientists understand more about the causes of health conditions impactful to people with DS.

NDSC Convention
Jul 24
NDSC Convention

Each year, thousands of people from across the globe attend the NDSC Annual Convention. For most, it’s to hear the latest information from world-renowned experts. For others, it’s a great vacation. However, for nearly all, it is the one-of-a-kind NDSC “giant family reunion” feeling that permeates the convention weekend that brings them back year after year.

Hearing and Down Syndrome Research Study
Jul 28
Hearing and Down Syndrome Research Study

The Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome (Crnic Institute) and Boys Town National Research Hospital (Boys Town) are partnering with the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas (DSG) to offer FREE hearing tests as part of their Hearing and Balance in Down Syndrome Research Study. Participants will receive their hearing test results and be part of one of the largest Down syndrome biobanks in the world: The Human Trisome Project (HTP).

Dads Night Out: Poker Night
Aug 16
Dads Night Out: Poker Night

For Dads of Loved Ones with Down Syndrome! Ready for a night of cards, connection, and camaraderie? Join us for Poker Night at the DSG Offices — a laid-back evening just for dads.

DALLAS BUDDY WALK®
Oct 19
DALLAS BUDDY WALK®

The Dallas Buddy Walk® is the signature fundraising and awareness event for the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas bringing together more than 5,000 individuals with Down syndrome, their family members, and community supporters annually. The event features family-friendly activities like inflatables, music, games, face painting, vendor booths, and more for kids and adults alike. The event also includes an awareness walk that celebrates the abilities and accomplishments of all individuals with Down syndrome.