Everything I cite on this site, plus organizations and guides that have helped our family. I share these so you can read the research yourself. They aren't medical advice, and research keeps changing, so talk with your own care team about what fits your family.
Compared with a barn-activity group, kids who did 10 weeks of therapeutic riding improved in irritability, hyperactivity, social skills and word fluency.
Cited in: Sidney's year, therapeutic horseback ridingPools the published studies on therapeutic riding and social and communication skills in autistic children.
The lead researcher explains that the benefits are proven but the reasons are still being studied.
Cited in: Sidney's year, therapeutic horseback ridingPools studies showing that regular exercise training is associated with higher resting BDNF, a protein that supports brain cell growth and learning.
Cited in: Things we love, low-rider pedal bikeLooks specifically at exercise and BDNF in kids and teens.
Cited in: Things we love, low-rider pedal bikeAbout 30 percent of people with Down syndrome in their 50s have Alzheimer's dementia, rising to about half in their 60s. The extra copy of chromosome 21 carries the APP gene, which is linked to the amyloid buildup seen in Alzheimer's.
Cited in: What I share, brain healthA plain-language guide for families and caregivers on risk, warning signs and care.
Cited in: What I share, brain healthResources and guidance from the national Down syndrome advocacy organization.
A review of early research on how red and near-infrared light affects brain cells. Most studies are small and in adults. It does not show that light therapy treats or prevents any condition, and I don't share it for that reason. I share it so you can read the science behind something we use at home.
Cited in: Sidney's year, What I share, and Things we loveAn overview of what a dual diagnosis looks like and how families can seek an evaluation.
Related: my Detroit Mom articleA practical guide for families navigating both diagnoses.
Research-based guidance on including students with Down syndrome in general education classrooms.
Cited in: my Detroit Mom articleThe inclusive school where Sidney learned with her ABA therapist for three years.
Featured in: InclusionThe reflex integration approach behind the intensive conference Sidney and I attended.
Featured in: Sidney's yearA 12-week video coaching program I did for my own health, with a registered dietitian. It looks at nutrition, movement, sleep, hormones and environment, and includes optional bloodwork. My insurance covered it at no cost to me. Coverage depends on your plan, so check your eligibility on their site first.
Referral link: Sign up through this link and you get their lab panel (50+ blood biomarkers) for $39. I earn a $50 credit toward supplements on BetterBrain Picks.National advocacy, resources and research updates.
Local support and community for Michigan families.
Family support and events in Michigan.
The community behind the three-arrows symbol you see on this site.
Featured in: Behind the logoA Medicaid-funded program providing home and community-based services for children with disabilities. Sidney waited almost two years for a spot. It pays for our community living supports and respite.
Featured in: Family supportHow families can direct their own services, including recruiting and hiring their own caregivers.
See also: my step-by-step Children's Waiver guide Featured in: Family supportA savings account for people whose disability began before age 46. The money can pay for disability-related costs like housing, school, health care and assistive technology, and earnings grow tax-free. It doesn't count against Medicaid, but a balance over $100,000 can affect SSI. Talk with a benefits planner before you open one.
My story of Sidney's birth and learning to heal.
Trusting your instincts about a second diagnosis.