12 Myths & Truths about Down syndrome!
MYTH: Down syndrome is a rare disorder. TRUTH: Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring genetic condition. One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome, or approximately 6,000 births per year. Today, there are more than 400,000 people with Down syndrome living in the...
What is low muscle tone?
'Low muscle tone' is a condition of abnormally low muscle tone, the amount of tension or resistance to movement in a muscle. Low muscle tone occurs when the length of the resting muscle is slightly longer than typical. This means that the muscle fibers are not overlapping at an optimal...
Before the First Word Stage: Advice for Parents!
Last week we posted about how parents can foster their child’s language development through communicative intent. This week is all about turn-taking. When humans communicate, they take turns. One is the speaker and the other is the listener and they can change their communication roles as speaker and listener. The...
A THANK YOU Message for our Volunteers!
This post is all about showing appreciation to the people who love to contribute to GiGi’s Playhouse! Our volunteers have hearts of gold and volunteering takes a sheer selfless sense of wanting to give back. Their devotion and commitment to the Playhouse needs to be acknowledged! Our volunteers are worth...
Before the First Word Stage: Advice for Parents
Parents of infants, you are undoubtedly anxious to hear your child’s first words; however, there are many small steps that need to occur prior to that milestone. Once you realize what these small steps are, you can see the triumphs as each speech and language step is mastered. As we...
Free Programs for All Our Dancers!
We have an exciting opportunity for all of our dancers! Bataille Academie of the Danse in Barrington will be offering two FREE programs this year! Rising Stars (ages 6 and under) and Shining Stars are for ages 6 and up. The programs focus on jazz dance, learning combinations and new...
You are your child’s biggest advocate!
Many professionals will help you and your child through life. But you are vital to your child's success. To help your child: Learn all you can about Down syndrome. This can help you know what to expect and how you can help your child. Find out what type of financial help...
Promoting Oral-Motor Strength and Coordination at Home!
It is important for our kiddos to have strong and mobile articulators. Articulators include our lips, cheeks, jaw and tongue. Children with Down syndrome, due to low muscle tone, often have weak muscles of the face. Development of oral motor skills includes teaching these muscles to move in the right...
Join us for Friday Friends!
Join us for Friday Friends tonight at 7 p.m. for Jammin’ with Rick! Bring your guitar, keyboard, drums, cymbals, or any instrument you like. Enjoy a fun night out with you friends! Snacks and drinks will be provided. Get ready to party and dance! Friday friends is a fun night...
Today kicks off National Down Syndrome Awareness Month!
Hey all, guess what? TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY CELEBRATING DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH!!!! Proudly post a picture of someone you know who has Down syndrome :) Let’s make this a month of happy celebrations. We're looking forward to a month of seeing pictures of our wonderful individuals from the playhouse, our...
Do you or somebody you know have questions about Down syndrome?
For those who may not know what Down syndrome is - We have you covered! What Causes It? Normally, at the time of conception a baby inherits genetic information from its parents in the form of 46 chromosomes: 23 from the mother and 23 from the father. In most cases of...
Promoting Social Communication in Individuals with Down syndrome – Eye Contact
Recently we posted about teaching appropriate VS inappropriate distances to stand next to a person when interacting. Today it’s all about eye contact. Eye contact plays a crucial role in social communication. When you are listening and when you are talking, it is considered appropriate to look at the other...