Early Stages (0-5) Resources

DSAWM Early Stages programs and services support families from diagnosis through the early developmental years. Areas of focus include parent support, communication and motor skill development, and socialization. Resources relevant to this stage of development include supports coordination, therapies, medical support, and financial assistance.

DSAWM Programs and Services for Early Stages

Baby Sign Language

With just a few simple signs from American Sign Language, you can start communicating with your child – even before (s)he starts to talk! Signing is fun, easy to do, and great for your child’s development! Visit the DSAWM calendar for upcoming classes.

Member Financial Assistance

DSAWM’s Member Financial Assistance Fund is designed to provide financial support to families raising individuals with Down syndrome who need help with certain Down syndrome-related expenses including adoption, education, therapy, adaptive devices, respite, and hospital stays.

Oh, Baby!

This baby shower for families who have a child with Down syndrome aged 5 and younger is a celebration and an opportunity for parents and siblings to connect with other families experiencing Down syndrome. Oh, Baby is held in August at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum.

Playgroups

Playgroups are a fun, social option for promoting development. Playgroup focus varies and includes speech, fine motor, gross motor, communication, and more to meet the various needs of our children. Visit the DSAWM calendar for current playgroup information.

Weekly Update Newsletter

The Weekly Update newsletter is emailed every Thursday and shares upcoming programs and services from DSAWM and our community partners. For new parents, it is an easy way to get connected and learn about the opportunities available to you and your family.

Access! GR

Through a partnership with ACCESS GR, DSAWM can connect members with the rich arts & cultural scene in West Michigan. Free tickets are available in a limited supply for both ongoing venues and special event venues. Accommodations can be made to make sure the arts are accessible to everyone.

Holiday Party

Every December, DSAWM families gather in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo to visit with Santa and reconnect with friends. The Grand Rapids Holiday Party is a member-only event and is held at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

Member Picnic

Each summer, DSAWM families gather at Tunnel Park in Holland for a day of friends, food, and fun in the sun. The Member Picnic is a member only event and is held in July.

Rock Your Socks Dance

Rock your socks off at our annual Rock Your Socks Dance in honor of World Down Syndrome Day (3/21). The event is open to anyone interested in celebrating Down syndrome.

Step Up for Down Syndrome

Step Up For Down Syndrome is the largest Down syndrome awareness event in Michigan and DSAWM’s biggest fundraiser. Families, friends, and the public are invited to this annual celebration and walk held each September where we come together to support our loved ones with Down syndrome.

Community Supports

Resources listed are not necessarily endorsed by DSAWM, but are a list of options that are available. If you know of additional West Michigan resources, please let us know at info@dsawm.org.

Supports Coordination

Early On

Early On Michigan provides free services to families who have children (0-3) who have medical problems or are developmentally delayed. Services can include information, evaluation, linking to services, parent network, and financial help. Contact 800-327-5966 or Find your county’s Early On referral contact

Providers listed below have indicated that they serve pediatric patients under 18 years of age.

Therapy

Behavior Therapy & Psychology
Defined

“Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is a type of therapy that can improve social, communication, and learning skills through positive reinforcement.” – Healthline

West Michigan Providers
- Anchored Family Jenison
- Behavior Analysts of West Michigan Walker, Kentwood
- BRAINS Grand Rapids
- Comprehensive Therapy Center Grand Rapids
- Developmental EnhancementHolland, Grandville, Grand Rapids
- EnCourage Institute for Teaching and Learning, LLC Grand Rapids, Jenison
- Family Nest ABA Therapy Rockford
- Hope Network Behavioral Health Grand Rapids
- Horizons Developmental Resource Center Caledonia
- Mark Scheffers, M.Div. LMSW Kalamazoo
- Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services Grand Rapids
- Sarah Feaster, LMSW, IMH-E Holland
- The Shoreline Center, LLC Grand Haven
Feeding Therapy
Defined

“Feeding therapy, in its simplest form, is when a trained occupational or speech therapist helps teach a child how to eat or eat better.” – NAPA Center

Learn more about Feeding Therapy from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

West Michigan Providers
- Bronson Outpatient Rehabilitation Services Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Paw Paw, South Haven
- Family Tree Therapies Grand Rapids, Rockford
- Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Intensive Feeding Program Grand Rapids
- High 5 Speech Therapy Holland, Grand Rapids
- Horizons Developmental Resource Center Caledonia
- Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Pediatric Outpatient Feeding Therapy Grand Rapids
- The Center for Childhood Development Jenison, Holland, Kalamazoo
- Thrive Pediatric Speech & Feeding Therapy, LLC Grandville
Music Therapy
Defined

“Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.” – American Music Therapy Association

West Michigan Providers
- Edge Water Music Therapy Kalamazoo
- Franciscan Life Process Center Lowell
- Lakeshore Music Therapy Services Holland
- West Michigan Music Therapy, LLC Grand Rapids
- Western Michigan University Music Therapy Clinic Kalamazoo
Occupational Therapy/Sensory Integration
Defined

“Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations).” – American Occupational Therapy Association,

“Sensory integration involves perceiving, modulating, organizing, and interpreting these sensations to optimize occupational performance and participation.” – American Occupational Therapy Association

Learn more about the relationship between Occupational Therapy, Sensory Integration, and Down syndrome at NDSS.org.

West Michigan Providers
- BRAINS Grand Rapids
- Bronson Outpatient Rehabilitation Services Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Paw Paw, South Haven
- Comprehensive Therapy Center Grand Rapids
- Conductive Learning Center Grand Rapids
- Engage Therapy Center Zeeland
- Family Tree Therapies Grand Rapids, Rockford
- Generation Care Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Muskegon
- Sensational Steps Therapy Grand Haven
- Sensory Systems Clinic West Wayland
- The Center for Childhood Development Jenison, Holland, Kalamazoo
- The Shoreline Center, LLC Grand Haven
- WMU Marion R. Spear Occupational Therapy Clinic Kalamazoo
Physical Therapy
Defined

“Physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education.” – American Physical Therapy Association

Learn more about the relationship between Physical Therapy and Down syndrome at NDSS.org.

West Michigan Providers
- Bronson Outpatient Rehabilitation Services Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Paw Paw, South Haven
- Comprehensive Therapy Center Grand Rapids
- Conductive Learning Center Grand Rapids
- Generation Care Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Muskegon
- Horizons Developmental Resource Center Caledonia
- The Center for Childhood Development Jenison, Holland, Kalamazoo
Recreational Therapy
Defined

“Recreational therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions, as a means to psychological and physical health, recovery and well-being.” – American Therapeutic Recreation Association

Examples of Recreational Therapy: Animal Therapy, Athletics/Outdoor Recreation, Hippotherapy (horseback riding), Horticultural Therapy, Visual and Performing Arts. For a listing of day programs and camps that incorporate recreational therapy, visit the Social Programming / Activities tab on the School Age Resources page.

West Michigan Providers
- Life Therapeutic Solutions Wyoming
- Hippotherapy
  - Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center Augusta
  - Legacy Stables & Karin’s Horse Connection Caledonia
  - Renew Therapeutic Riding Center Holland
Speech Therapy
Defined

“Speech therapy is the assessment and treatment of communication problems and speech disorders.” – Healthline

Learn more about the relationship between Speech Therapy and Down syndrome at NDSS.org.

West Michigan Providers
- BRAINS Grand Rapids
- Bronson Outpatient Rehabilitation Services Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Paw Paw, South Haven
- Building Blocks Therapy Services Grand Rapids
- Calvin University Speech and Hearing Clinic Grand Rapids
- Comprehensive Therapy Center Grand Rapids
- Duncan Lake Speech Therapy, LLC Caledonia
- Family Tree Therapies Grand Rapids, Rockford
- Generation Care Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Muskegon
- Grand Haven Speech Partners Grand Haven
- High 5 Speech Therapy Holland, Grand Rapids
- Horizons Developmental Resource Center Caledonia
- Mitten Speech Therapy Grandville
- South Shore Speech, LLC Battle Creek
- The Center for Childhood Development Jenison, Holland, Kalamazoo
- The Shoreline Center, LLC Grand Haven
- Thrive Pediatric Speech & Feeding Therapy, LLC Grand Rapids
- Western Michigan University Speech Therapy Clinic Kalamazoo
Multidisciplinary Therapy
Multidisciplinary providers have experience and professional training to practice a variety of therapies.

West Michigan Providers
- BRAINS Grand Rapids
- Bronson Outpatient Rehabilitation Services Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Paw Paw, South Haven
- Comprehensive Therapy Center Grand Rapids
- Conductive Learning Center Grand Rapids
- Family Tree Therapies Grand Rapids, Rockford
- Generation Care Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Muskegon
- High 5 Speech Therapy Holland, Grand Rapids
- Horizons Developmental Resource Center Caledonia
- The Center for Childhood Development Jenison, Holland, Kalamazoo
- The Shoreline Center, LLC Grand Haven
- Thrive Pediatric Speech & Feeding Therapy, LLC Grandville

Medical

Communicating with Your Physician

Boston’s MassGeneral Hospital For Children created a Talking to the Doctor Workbook for individuals with Down syndrome that focuses on sharing feelings and asking questions. They also offer remote second opinions to patients and health care providers in the United States. Similarly, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia offers a Toolkit for Transitioning to Adult Medical Care for individuals with Down syndrome.

LuMind IDSC has also launched the first-of-its-kind DSC2U, an “online toolkit that provides customized, expert-driven information for people with Down syndrome from age 1 through adulthood. Immediately upon completion of the form, caregivers receive two personalized documents: one for themselves and one to share with their primary healthcare provider. Both documents contain detailed, customized suggestions, follow-up questions, and conversation prompts that are designed to optimize time with a primary care provider and offer caregivers the vocabulary and tools they need to advocate for their loved one.”

For support when speaking with dental providers, take a look at the Dental Care Guidance for Caregivers of Patients with Down syndrome.
Finding a Provider

Looking for a medical provider? The Preferred Medical Provider List is maintained by Down Syndrome Head Start and lists doctors, dentists, and other providers recommended by Michigan families experiencing Down syndrome. **Please note that Down Syndrome Head Start’s website has been down as of November 2018. This list has not been updated since 2017. If you are looking for more up-to-date information, we recommend reaching out on the Michigan Parents of Children with Down Syndrome Facebook group.

The Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (Family Center) is also a helpful resource for Michigan families. The Family Center is the statewide parent-directed center within Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). It offers emotional support, information, and connections to community-based resources to families of children and youth with special health care needs, as well as provides parental perspectives and input on health care matters while focusing on families’ access to coordinated systems of care.

Looking for a dentist? The Special Care Dentistry Association (SCDA) is a unique international organization of oral health professionals and other individuals who are dedicated to promoting oral health and well-being for people with special needs. A list of Michigan dentists belonging to SCDA can be found on their site. The Michigan Parents group on Facebook is also a good resource for finding dental recommendations.
Paying for Your Child's Healthcare Expenses
- Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) of Michigan provides low or no cost supplemental health insurance for a variety of covered medical diagnoses for individuals under 21 years old. While Down syndrome alone is not a qualifying diagnosis, CSHCS covers over 2,700 physical conditions of which many individuals with Down syndrome may experience at least one. A complete list of covered conditions can be viewed here. Find your county’s CSHCS branch
- The Children with Special Needs Fund provides support for children ages 0-21 in Michigan with special health care needs not available through any other funding source. The Fund helps with the purchase of equipment and services that promote optimal health, mobility, and development, enhancing the lives of children and their families.

Financial

Local Assistance Programs
DSAWM Financial Assistance is available to members for expenses related to the following when relating to support, care, or treatment of person with Down syndrome: adoption, respite care, and educational, medical, therapeutic, and adaptive services or devices. DSAWM members are also eligible for our Meal Voucher Program which offsets meal expenses for families whose child with Down syndrome is experiencing an overnight stay in the hospital.
- Family Hope Foundation offers scholarships of up to $1,000 twice a year to West Michigan families for therapies that have little or no insurance coverage
- Lori’s Voice provides funding for equipment, educational resources, or expenses related to medical treatment for individuals up to 21 years old who have neurological, muscular, or other degenerative conditions resulting in permanent impairment or mobility issues
In need of immediate assistance? Contact 2-1-1. Michigan 2-1-1 is available 24/7 via phone, text, or online search to connect callers with local community-based organizations across the state that provide support and assistance to those in need.
National Assistance Programs
- AMBUCS provides AmTrykes, therapeutic tricycles for children and adults with disabilities, including children with low muscle tone
- Apraxia Kids provides speech tablets and protective cases to children with a diagnosis of apraxia of speech to aid in communication
- Cerner Charitable Foundation provides financial assistance for medical care, medical devices, vehicle modification, and travel for those 18 and younger with a disability
- Different Needz Foundation provides grants for medical equipment and/or services, including developmental therapies
- Friendship Circle’s Great Bike Giveaway provides an opportunity for children and teens to win an adaptive bike as well as provides a fundraising platform to purchase a bike at a discounted price
- LifeLine Pilots provides free medical and compassion flights to patients in the Midwest with financial need
- Maggie Welby Foundation provides scholarships to children in kindergarten thru 12th grade whose families demonstrate financial need
- McLindon Family Foundation provides adaptive bicycles for children with special needs
- Microsoft provides scholarships to promising high school seniors with disabilities who plan to attend a vocational or academic college and target a career in the technology industry
- Modest Needs provides short-term financial help for families in crisis situations
- Montana Melin Foundation provides financial assistance to the families of children with Down Syndrome that are facing medical hardships
- My Gym Foundation provides grants for the purchase of medical and therapy equipment for children with special needs under 18 years old
- NDSS provides scholarships to individuals with Down syndrome in the areas of post-secondary education, entrepreneurship, and self-advocacy
- Needy Meds provides discounted and free medication programs and other services for low income families
- Parker Lee Project provides medical supplies and equipment to children at no cost, including enteral supplies, formula, and incontinence supplies
- Project Angel Fares grants all-expenses-paid trips to children with special needs to visit Morgan’s Wonderland – an ultra-accessible theme park in Texas
- Ruby’s Rainbow provides scholarships to individuals with Down syndrome who are pursuing post-secondary education, enrichment, or vocational classes
- Small Steps in Speech grants funds for speech and language disorder therapies for people aged 3-22 years old
- Special Kids Photography of America provides grants for family pictures
- Stepping Stones for Stella provides buggies for children with special needs to enjoy outdoors to its fullest
- UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation offers grants for kids 16 years old or younger for services health insurance does not cover
- Wheelchairs 4 Kids provides wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications, as well as other assistive and therapeutic devices for children that have limited mobility
- Wings of Mercy provides free medical flights to patients in eastern Michigan with financial need

Still looking for resources or recommendations? We encourage you to visit the Michigan Parents of Children with Down Syndrome Facebook Group, an online community of over 1,700 parents and caregivers across the state who have children with Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. The group is a great resource for those looking for recommendations for and experiences with providers across the state.

Follow us on social media!

Download Early Stages Resources PDF