Understanding Adolescence and Puberty

The Understanding Adolescence and Puberty program aids tweens and teens with intellectual disabilities going through puberty—answering questions about the changes affecting their bodies during this time of their life. 

Now open to all youth with intellectual disabilities.

Curriculum

Our curriculum “Understanding Adolescence and Puberty” is based on books by Terri Couwenhoven, M.S. (www.terricouwenhoven.com) who specializes in the design and implementation of sexuality programs and resources for people with intellectual disabilities and their parents who support them. We foster independence through activities that encourage curiosity and education in a safe environment.

For Virtual Classes, all program materials will be shipped to participants on a weekly basis. Materials include books, class supplies and handouts.

Class Schedule

The Virtual Understanding Adolescence and Puberty program is a six-week program and classes meet once a week on Saturday for one hour. 

Summer 2022 Dates
Saturday, July 9th
Saturday, July 16th
Saturday, July 23rd
Saturday, August 6th
Saturday, August 13th
Saturday, August 20th 

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Classroom

Due to COVID-19 and the safety of our community, all class are currently being held virtually via Zoom. To ensure the virtual class is engaging, we will be mailing all class materials/supplies weekly. Participants will have materials in hand to be able to follow along and interact with Dr. Partridge. Each week the Zoom class will be broken down by gender, to provide students the most relevant information on topics related to their bodies and its changes during puberty.

Understanding Adolescence and Puberty Zoom classes will only be accessible to those who have registered for the program. Zoom information will be emailed to participants on a weekly basis.

Instructors

This program’s instructors are highly educated in the needs of individuals with Down syndrome. The classes are taught by Rebecca Partridge, MD, head of the Down Syndrome Program at Virginia Mason, who also has a son with Down syndrome, and Caitlin Hanney, RN, an outpatient cardiology nurse, who also has a son with Down syndrome. The program co-teachers are Devon Adelman and Ayman King, who both have Down syndrome.

Tuition

Understanding Adolesence & Puberty
$ 125 One-time Fee
  • Books & Materials Included
  • Financial Assistance Available
Contact Us
DSC now accepts DDA Hours. Financial assistance may be available. Please email [email protected] for more information.
"Dr. Partridge and her team have put together a great program that clearly explains this time of change to young people with Ds, through interactive discussion and hands-on activities, and gives parents strategies on how to keep the discussion going. We didn’t want it to end!"
—Becky R.

Registration

Each family must complete the registration form and pay the program fee by the registration deadline. When filling out the registration form, please use the address you would like program materials mailed to. DSC will be mailing all materials on a weekly basis.

 

Registration for Summer 2022 is open! Register today.
REGISTER
Thank You to Our Program Sponsor