Posted in Adult Day Programs for Special Needs, Autism, Down syndrome, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism, Fun Side of Nick, Recreation/Leisure and Special Needs

Winter Update: Nick DS-ASD

Winter Update: Nick DS-ASD

Here’s a look at Nick’s world, and what he’s been up to this winter.  My son Nick, is 24 years old and has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism.  He attends an adult day program which provides a variety of enrichment activities.  These include work time, communication and learning, recreation, cooking, gardening and crafting.  There are monthly theme parties and game time playing Bingo and Yahtzee.  His group enjoyed a variety of community trips to the grocery store, dining out, library and PetSmart.

Nick relaxing at his adult day program….

Nick AID new chair

Turtle time…..

Nick AID turtle

Crafting, Nick made some awesome pillows…..

Bingo Prize Winner!

Nick bingo prize

Community trip to PetSmart……

Nick Petsmart 1              Nick Petsmart 2

Each week, Nick goes on community outings with his respite caregivers, Jodi and Miss R.  They take him out to the movies, library, mall and to restaurants…..

Over the holidays, Nick celebrated with family here in Chicago and in Key West……

Nick Christmas 2017

Fun in the Florida Keys, including a trip to The Hemingway House……

In February, we celebrated Nick’s birthday in Vail.  Did you read last week’s blog #198, about his adventures in Colorado?

It’s been a busy winter packed with loads of fun for Nick!  Seeing all his smiles in the adult day program, community outings and on vacations assures me that he is having a wonderful life.  Having a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism shouldn’t limit a family from getting out and having fun.  I hope these updates bring inspiration to other families who have a child with special needs.

That’s what is in my noggin this week!

~Teresa 🙂

To see more of Nick’s world check out these social media sites:

Facebook: @Down Syndrome With A Slice Of Autism

Instagram #nickdsautism

Twitter @tjunnerstall

 

 

 

 

Posted in Uncategorized

Re-Blog~ #78 Christmas Past

Christmas tree 14

Re-Blog~ #78 Christmas Past

With the busy holiday season upon us, I opted to re-blog “Christmas Past”.  Here is a little photo album of Christmas past with my boys @https://nickspecialneeds.wordpress.com/2013/12/16/blog-78christmas-cheer/

Wishing you all the best and take time to make memories with your family. They do grow up fast.  That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa

 

Posted in Autism, Down syndrome

Christmas Wishes

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Thank you for reading and sharing Nick’s world this year.  Have a Merry Christmas and we wish you a Happy New Year!   Enjoy your holiday with  family and friends. 

I am taking a two week break from the blog, but there’s plenty of good stuff in the archives to dig thru and enjoy in the meantime.   We look forward to sharing more fire alarm updates, stories, and information about Nick, Down syndrome and autism.  See you next year (that never gets old does it?) 🙂

Cheers,

~Teresa

Posted in Autism, Down syndrome, Fun Side of Nick

Blog #78~Christmas Past

Blog #78~Christmas Past

This week; a look at Christmas past with Nick and his older brother, Hank. Having a brother with Down syndrome and autism requires patience and understanding.  It’s not always easy with Nick yelling, dropping things, stimming and giving us all a run for our money.  I give Hank a lot of props for putting up with it all these years.  Here are some of their special times together at Christmas.

Christmas in Texas, no pants required 🙂 Christmas 1

Family gathering back at my parent’s home.  I love Nick’s toothless grin! Christmas 2

Christmas at GMA Theresa and GPA Jim’s house in Chicago. Here’s Nick with his cousins Anna and Sam.  Looks like Nick got a new musical toy 🙂Christmas 3

Christmas and Bears game time!

Christmas 4

They’re getting bigger! 

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My high school boys…..

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I hope that you enjoyed a look back at Christmas past.  I treasure the many fond memories of my boys over the years.  May your Christmas be filled with joy, love and peace. 

~Teresa 🙂