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., 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.
Program Materials: Each family will receive two books that focus on teaching children with intellectual disabilities about their bodies, boundaries, and sexuality. Additional take-home materials and handouts will be provided on a weekly basis.
Spring 2024 Class Schedule
The Understanding Adolescence and Puberty program is a Five-week program, and classes meet once a week at the DSC Campus on Saturdays. To provide the most relevant guidance on the changes and development that occur during puberty, sessions are separated by gender.
Saturday, May 4th - parents and caregivers only at 10 am
Saturday, May 11th
Boys at 10 am
Girls at 11 am
Saturday, May 18th
Boys at 1 pm
Girls at 2 pm
Saturday, June 1st
Boys at 10 am
Girls at 11 am
Saturday, June 8th
Boys at 10 am
Girls at 11 am
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
The Understanding Adolescence & Puberty program will have a one-time $100 fee.
Financial assistance is available. Please email contact@dscpugetsound.org 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.