National Down Syndrome Society

10/09/2026

This Sunday, 53 athletes will take on the Chicago Marathon with ! 👏 Help us wish them good luck, and tune into our socials on Sunday to cheer them on as they run in honor of the Down syndrome community!

10/07/2026

October marks one year since LuMind IDSC merged into NDSS! It is thanks to your generosity and support that we've been able to multiply our impact. 💙💛 We're excited to keep building on this momentum alongside families, caregivers, and self-advocates.

Check out our 2025-2026 Impact Report for a deeper look at all that we've been able to accomplish at ndss.org/sites/default/files/2026-09/2026-impact-report.pdf

10/05/2026

The Little Words Project "Words Matter" bracelet is a reminder to choose words with intention, kindness, and respect, helping build a world where everyone is valued for exactly who they are.

💫 For every "Words Matter" bracelet sold through Dec. 31, 2026, Little Words Project will donate $5 to NDSS! Proceeds benefit NDSS’ mission to ensure individuals with Down syndrome thrive.

Purchase yours at https://www.littlewordsproject.com/products/giveback-words-matter?variant=62790947995729

10/05/2026

The NDSS team was honored to attend the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network - DSDN 's Rockin' Mom retreat in Arizona, where we connected with 300+ moms from around the country! DSDN provides valuable resources and connections for parents starting with prenatal diagnosis, and this annual retreat is a great opportunity for moms to feel seen, be validated, and receive timely support.

Congratulations to DSDN on another successful retreat! We are proud to be a longtime sponsor, and we can't wait to see you next year in Dallas.

10/01/2026

October is ! 🎉 DSAM is a great opportunity to raise awareness and celebrate our loved ones with Down syndrome.

💙 Visit our DSAM webpage to learn how you can get involved this year, including sharing DSAM fact cards with facts about Down syndrome with your family and friends!

https://ndss.org/down-syndrome-awareness-month

09/30/2026

"Much of what we know about what causes Alzheimer’s disease — a type of dementia — can be credited to individuals with Down syndrome. Their brains often exhibit the telltale plaque buildup of the disease much earlier than those who develop the condition in the general population.

Now a flurry of research involving people with Down syndrome is offering new hope for them and for the future of Alzheimer’s treatment."

Read more and hear from Kate Olmstead-Kolb, a 45-year-old woman with Down syndrome who also shared her story during NDSS' meeting with the FDA in June.

Much of what we know about what causes Alzheimer’s disease – a type of dementia – can be credited to individuals with Down syndrome

09/28/2026

Join NDSS and Jillian Rork, MD, on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 1-2 PM ET to learn about skin conditions commonly seen in individuals with Down syndrome, including dry skin, folliculitis, psoriasis, alopecia areata, and infections like athlete's foot.

This visual-rich session will cover practical care tips, how to talk with your doctor, why certain conditions are more common in individuals with Down syndrome, and the latest skin research updates.

🔗 Register at https://ndss.org/ndss-webinars

09/25/2026

On September 23, a federal judge issued a final decision in Texas v. Kennedy, a case challenging Section 504 regulations related to community integration.

While this ruling is a setback for enforcement around community integration, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗰𝘁 (𝗔𝗗𝗔) 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟱𝟬𝟰 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗮𝘄.

We will continue to advocate for robust protections for community living for the Down syndrome community and will share updates as we learn more. 🤝

https://ndss.org/news/texas-v-kennedy

09/25/2026

This weekend 13 athletes are taking on the BERLIN-MARATHON as part of ! In addition to training for 26.2 miles, they've raised critical funds and spread awareness for the Down syndrome community. 💪 Help us wish them luck and help them hit their fundraising goals at https://give.ndss.org/give/737390 #!/donation/checkout

09/24/2026

Our Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD) webpage has been viewed over 𝟯𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 times in the last year alone. We know you have questions, and we're here to help! Below are three valuable resources to help you better understand and navigate Regression.

1️⃣ NDSS DSRD webpage - provides a comprehensive overview and other resources including a symptom checklist 🔗 ndss.org/resources/regression-down-syndrome

2️⃣ This CARE Down Syndrome reference article can help healthcare professionals learn more about DSRD, testing recommendations, and treatments 🔗 https://bit.ly/4AtrdAJ

3️⃣ Down Syndrome Regression Disorder Symposium - hosted by Dr. Jonathan Santoro and the STORM Lab, this family and caregiver-oriented symposium on 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟲 will provide a comprehensive overview of the condition, report of cutting-edge research innovations and novel treatments, and review critical points of advocacy for those with DSRD. Virtual registration is $25 and is available in English and Spanish. 🔗 connect.chla.org/goto/dsrdsymposium