autism
Assume EVERYONE Can- in their own way
By now, you have likely seen this viral and impactful video from NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society). We do believe our Down syndrome community should be given a chance to do whatever they choose to do instead of having others decide that for them. This video really brings that point to light. There are also…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Amanda Johnson
We started this blog series for volunteer appreciation week in April, but we have so many wonderful volunteers to talk about it, that we decided to continue it through the year! Just a reminder, GiGi’s Playhouse Madison is 99% volunteer run – which means we wouldn’t be here without our volunteers. We had 309 unique…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Jacob Donohue
Volunteer appreciation week is April 16-22, but we have so many wonderful volunteers to talk about it, that we’ll be celebrating all month! Just a reminder, GiGi’s Playhouse Madison is 99% volunteer run – which means we wouldn’t be here without our volunteers. It’s pretty incredible to think back on all of the hours people…
Read MoreDemystifying Becoming a Literacy or Math Tutor
WE NEED YOU Our Summer 2024 tutoring session will kick off in June and we are expecting a high number of applications from our families. Our tutor applications for the Summer 2024 session are open! The Summer session runs from June 17th-August 23rd. Tutors and students meet on the same day and time each week.…
Read MoreProgramming with a Purpose: Down Syndrome and Autism
Our Playhouse has been lucky enough to have a dedicated group of volunteers that developed programming for individuals with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder, or other sensory processing disorder. Dynamic Duals, a GiGi’s Playhouse-Madison piloted program, is a monthly program designed specifically for families and individuals with a dual diagnosis…
Read MoreFinding a Place to Belong
This post is about a pilot program established by GiGi’s Playhouse Madison called Dynamic Duals. This is a monthly program designed specifically for families & individuals with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome-Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or sensory or behavioral challenges. Parents meet in one area to connect, have fun, share successes, resources, and strategies while…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Susan Dukin
Dedication and Passion April is volunteer appreciation month and while we like to celebrate our incredibly dedicated volunteers every day, we are thrilled to take a moment to truly celebrate Susan! In January 2022 Susan stopped in with a donation from her family and immediately signed up to be a volunteer. She literally filled…
Read MoreA Mother’s Perspective- An honest discussion about parenting a differently abled child
One of our Playhouse moms, Jennifer, recently wrote this social media post and we thought it’s an important perspective for everyone to hear about. Guest Blog by Jennifer: Vulnerability alert (and a long post) Being the mom of a differently abled child is exhausting at times. I don’t mean physically exhausting (although there’s…
Read MoreSensory Blog: Self Regulation- What You Need To Know – Part 2
Self Regulation- Part 2 of 2 Guest blog written by Occupational Therapy Assistant Student, Juliana Lehman OTAS Advisement, Editing and Supervision by Deborah Bebeau EdD, OTR Quick recap of Self-Regulation, Part 1: Self-regulation reflects self-control but additionally involves emotional and social components. Be on the lookout for triggering situations. Assist children to identify emotions especially…
Read MoreSensory Blog: Self Regulation- What You Need To Know – Part 1
Self Regulation- Part 1 of a 2 part series Guest blog written by Occupational Therapy Assistant Student, Juliana Lehman OTAS Advisement, Editing and Supervision by Deborah Bebeau EdD, OTR Self-regulation – what does this mean to you? This term, and its meaning, appears quite complicated and expansive in literature. It is important to understand…
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