Down's Syndrome Association

Supporting people who have Down's syndrome to live full and rewarding lives.

[Down's Syndrome Association @DSAInfo]

Down’s Syndrome Association Helpline

We can talk to you at any stage of your pregnancy.

We are available for calls every weekday from 10 am - 4pm or you can contact us by sending an email to [email protected].

Your call or enquiry will remain confidential. We can answer your questions and guide you to relevant accurate information. Tel [phone].

[Down's Syndrome Association @DSAInfo]

Did you know that thyroid issues are common in children and adults who have Down’s syndrome?

Our thyroid resource tells you about symptoms, testing and treatment.

Link here: https://t.co/sGhfxoIWQz

[Down's Syndrome Association @DSAInfo]

World Cup 2026 call-out for content! ⚽

As the World Cup is soon approaching, we would love for you to send us your football/World Cup related content. We would love some 'selfie' type video clips if possible - they only need to be short, snappy recordings. Please film in portrait (if possible) on your phones and then please send to our email: [email protected]

Examples before the tournament could include:

•Good luck messages, favourite player, why you love football, what team you support and who would be in your dream team if you could build one?

Before England’s first game on the 17 June:

•What's your score prediction, who will score first, which player are you most excited to watch?

Other questions could include player ratings after each game, your team performance thoughts, manager questions, showing us your football skills and anything else you can think of!

We look forward to hearing from you and hope lots of you get involved! 🏆 #WorldCup #FifaWorldCup26

[Down's Syndrome Association @DSAInfo]

Sensory processing Awareness

Friday 3 July 2026 | 1-2pm | Free

This 60-minute online webinar for parents and practitioners will provide information on sensory processing in children who have Down’s syndrome.

To join us, please sign up here: https://t.co/RE2U4G4IZ7

[Down's Syndrome Association @DSAInfo]

'Do You See Me?' - Experts by experience talking to you about the DSA Listen Include Respect Project.

Friday 19 June 2026 | 2.15-3.15pm | FREE

Join our Inclusion Team and experts by experience for a one hour talk regarding the 2026 Learning Disability week theme 'Do You See Me.' We shall explore this year's theme while sharing personal anecdotes and practical advice for professionals. We will also talk about our DSA 'Listen Include Respect' (LIR) project.

The talk highlights how inclusion is a continuous journey and examines key sections of the LIR international guidelines. There will be space for an open conversation about how these topics relate to people who have Down’s syndrome.

We hope that people who have Down’s syndrome, family members and professionals will join us for this interactive event.

Please register here: https://t.co/Oh9nx7uukS

[Down's Syndrome Association @DSAInfo]

A team from the University of York, in collaboration with the University of Manchester and Down Syndrome Education International, are undertaking a trial of a new app designed to encourage babies who have Down’s syndrome to make more vocal sounds.

*Please note that the DSA supports the aims of this study but any text describing/advertising the study is provided by the research team.

Please follow the steps on the poster, if you'd like to be involved. Or click here for more information: https://t.co/G2ToxNpAhh

[Down's Syndrome Association @DSAInfo]

DSEngage Live | Weekly Workout 💪

Get your week off to a great start with a fun and enjoyable live workout.

The live workouts can be easily adapted depending on your fitness level and will be fun for everyone.

Next Session: Monday 1 June 2026. Time: 4 – 4.45pm.

What you will need:
•Comfy clothing and trainers/bare feet
•Enough space to safely turn around and swing your arms as you dance and move
•A glass/bottle of water.

*Please take part at your own pace and stop at any time if you feel unwell. Participants take part in the activity at their own risk. Under 16’s must be supervised.

Sign up here: https://t.co/X7hsu8mIbr

[Down's Syndrome Association @DSAInfo]

'Down’s syndrome with complex needs parent/family carer regional support meeting' :

Make sure to put this date in your diaries if you'd like to attend! It is soon approaching...

In-person event – Central London. Monday 8 June 2026 | 10am – 3pm | FREE.

We are pleased to be facilitating an in-person complex needs support meeting in Central London.
By complex needs we usually mean that a person has an additional diagnosis such as, but not exclusively, autism.

It will be an opportunity for parents to come together, meet each other, share experience and take part in facilitated discussions.

The meeting will start at 10 am and finish at 3pm and lunch and refreshments will be provided.

This event is for parents (or family carers) only and there is no care provision available.

If you would like to know exact location before booking, please contact us. Or you can sign up here: https://t.co/ORddXaNOLD

[Down's Syndrome Association @DSAInfo]

Do you fit the criteria for this research study?

If so, and you/your child would like to take part, please follow the steps on the poster.

Thank you for your support.

[Down's Syndrome Association @DSAInfo]

Eyecare Webinar for Adults Who Have Down’s syndrome - with Professor Margaret Woodhouse. 👁️

Wednesday 10 June 2026 | 12 noon to 12:45 pm | FREE
This is an online webinar on Zoom for adults who have Down’s syndrome.

The webinar will start with Maggie talking about how you can look after your eyes and then she will answer any questions you have.

You are welcome to have a supporter with you during the webinar.

If you'd like to attend, please sign up by clicking the link: https://t.co/e3AhVm3D8O

[GatewayC @GatewayC_]

Have you listened to our latest #GPsTalkCancer podcast episode?

@HallettJulian from @DSAInfo, outlines how primary care can tackle potential barriers to cancer screening programmes to improve uptake for people with learning disabilities.

Listen now📲 https://t.co/w2eKYvK0ah

[Down's Syndrome Association @DSAInfo]

Online Support Group for Families of People who have Down’s syndrome Aged 40+.

Thursday 28 May 2026 | 10.30-11.30am | FREE

This new support group is for parents and siblings who support a person age 40 and over.

The group will involve facilitated discussions on relevant issues with occasional guest speakers.

Please sign up here: https://t.co/TGujhuN5pZ

[GatewayC @GatewayC_]

"...making something that might otherwise not be accessible, accessible."🎙️

Our latest episode of our #GPsTalkCancer podcast centres on cancer and learning disability, delving into change, consent and access to care with @HallettJulian from @DSAInfo.

🎧https://t.co/w2eKYvJskJ

[Down's Syndrome Association @DSAInfo]

Our document explains the role of the speech and language therapist for primary school aged children who have Down’s syndrome.

Please give it a read here: https://t.co/pbZxeXAoqp

[Down's Syndrome Association @DSAInfo]

Charlotte is a young woman who has Down’s syndrome, who ran in the London Marathon last month.🏃

Not only did she run a marathon, she achieved a Guinness World Record too!

Read our blog to find out more about Charlotte’s running journey and the London Marathon 2026 from her mum Nicola, and some words from Charlotte too: https://t.co/cdhGT5I6Bg

@SteveLaitner

[Down's Syndrome Association @DSAInfo]

Parent Support Meeting – Down’s syndrome with Complex Needs

Online Event | Tuesday 2 June 2026 | 10.30am – 12noon | FREE

Just a reminder to sign up to this online event if you haven't already!

Are you a parent/family carer of someone who has Down’s syndrome and complex needs age 4 years and over?

By complex needs we usually mean that a person has an additional diagnosis such as, but not exclusively autism, ADHD and/or complex multiple health needs.

Our regular meetings enable parents and family carers to share information and experiences and to guide DSA work.

Please sign up here: https://t.co/rGdsIaG6WV

[Down's Syndrome Association @DSAInfo]

Alex Tolley - An Update

Many people across our community were shocked and concerned to learn of the plight of Alex Tolley, who it has been reported has Down’s syndrome and was living on the streets around Reading.

As soon as we became aware of this distressing situation, we contacted the Safeguarding Adults team at Reading Council and have since been assured that Alex is no longer in a vulnerable position sleeping rough and is having his ongoing support needs assessed.

The outpouring of concern, from across our community and further afield, has been loud and heartening. So many people have been in touch asking for us to use what influence we have to ensure Alex is being appropriately supported and many people making their own offers of support. This has been very touching and understandable.

Naturally, the local authority have limits on what information they (and we) can share about a vulnerable person, but please be assured the situation reported last week no longer persists.

We have sought, and will continue to seek robust assurances that a package of support is put in place to ensure Alex is no longer left unsupported and at risk in the way reported in the media last week. We understand this is a complex situation, but no vulnerable person should be left in such a position that they are living on the streets.

[Down's Syndrome Association @DSAInfo]

The DSA's response to a recent, upsetting story, that has been circling the news:

We are concerned to read the heartbreaking story in the media about Alex and are reaching out to the relevant authorities to find out how this appalling situation has occurred, and what we as the Down's Syndrome Association can do to support Alex.

Please read the full article here to find out more: https://t.co/MaIyeBuTbG

[Down's Syndrome Association @DSAInfo]

Symbolic versus Non-symbolic Skills Intervention Programmes:

A researcher from University College London is conducting a research project to better understand how to effectively support the development of mathematical skills in children who have Down’s syndrome.

Please click here to find out more and to find out how to take part: https://t.co/F8xehBJBCF

@ucl

*Please note that the DSA supports the aims of this study but any text describing/advertising the study is provided by the research team.

[Down's Syndrome Association @DSAInfo]

Make sure to give this podcast episode a listen - featuring our Services Development Manager, Julian! 🎙️

[GatewayC @GatewayC_]

💬 “... because they have a learning disability, we make a reasonable adjustment”

We're joined by @HallettJulian, Services Development Manager at @DSAInfo, in a new episode of our #GPsTalkCancer podcast on cancer and learning disability.

Listen now🎧https://t.co/w2eKYvJskJ