Resources for the Older Teen and Young Adult Years
Adulthood is on the horizon: yep, you’re actually at this stage. Here are resources that we've put together to help your loved one transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Checklist to Turning 18
When our children turn 18 - there are many steps to be taken. This checklist was created as a guide for you to use as a reference to work from. Each area is named and we can discuss any of them in detail with you if interested. Please note that some of these can and should be initiated prior to turning 18.
Click below to watch a previously recorded webinar.
A Teen's Story
DSAMn support groups
DSAMn support groups are available in 17 communities across Minnesota as well as specialty support groups for new parents, grandparents, siblings, Somali families and Latinx families.
DSAMn’s Online Resources and Facebook Discussion Groups
Down Syndrome Association of MN Discussion Group: Our Private Group for Questions & Conversations
Minnesota Moms: Ages 12–18
Adult Matters (For Parents & Caregivers of Adults with Down syndrome)
Down Syndrome & Autism – Dual Diagnosis
Family Connectors
Family Connectors help parents navigate the complexities that come with raising a child with Down syndrome, including guidance regarding health care, education, county services, and other community resources.
Webinars and conferences
Webinars and conferences give parents and families access to trusted experts and the latest, most up-to-date information.
In addition, we’ve gathered helpful resources below, plus you can reach out to a Family Connector with specific questions or needs.
Transition planning is a formal process for helping kids with IEPs figure out what they want to do after high school and how to get there. It’s required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Need help understanding the process and available resources? You can reach out to one of our family connectors to help you.
More Education and Employment resources
- Minnesota Department of Education: Secondary Transition Resources
- Disability Employment Initiative / Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
- Arc Guide to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services
- Arc Guide to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) for Individuals Under Age 25
- PACER's National Parent Center on Transition and Employment
- Southeastern Minnesota Council for Independent Living
- Think College: Resources for Inclusive Education Options
Teen years come with expected challenges, whether your child has Down syndrome or not. This can lead to a great deal of internal stress for the adolescent and anxiety and stress for the parents. From puberty to mental wellness to physical fitness, the teen years can be hard to navigate. Our family connectors can walk you through each of these resources to find what’s right for your family.
More Health Care Resources:
- Gillette Hospital Complex Care and Transition Services
- DSC2U: A personalized care plan for individuals with Down syndrome*
- Medical Care Information & Guidelines for Individuals with Down Syndrome Ages 13 to 21
- Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome
- Medical Assistance: Resources from the Minnesota Department of Human Resources
- Minnesota Health Care Programs: Program Information and Eligibility Rules
- Sexual Wellness: Programs Specifically for People with Intellectual Disabilities and Their Families
- Teaching Children with Down Syndrome about Their Bodies, Boundaries, and Sexuality: A Guide for Parents and Professionals
*DSAMn offers a subsidy to families to access DSC2U, contact us to learn more.
- Best Buddies Minnesota
- Darby’s Dancers: Minnesota Program Locations
- Down Syndrome Camp
- GiGi's Playhouse Twin Cities: Programs in St. Louis Park, Apple Valley, and Hudson, WI
- Highland Friendship Club: Social and Skill-Building Opportunities
- Special Olympics Minnesota: Revealing the champion in all of us.
- The Penguin Project at Northern Starz Children's Theatre
- True Friends: Camp and Respite Experiences
- UpDown Funk at Curio Dance
- We Can Ride: Horse-Assisted Activities and Therapy
- Wilderness Inquiry: Camping and Canoe Trips
- Valley Friendship Club: Safe, Accessible Social Opportunities
- Arc of Minnesota: Promoting and Protecting Rights of All
- Disability Hub MN: Helping You Plan Your Best Life, Your Way
- Global Down Syndrome Foundation | Research, Care, Education, Advocacy
- Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities: Info, Education and Training
- Minnesota State Council on Disability: Advisors to Legislators
- National Down Syndrome Congress: National Info and Support Resource
- National Down Syndrome Society: Human Rights Organization
