by Bob Doman Understanding the Whole Child To truly understand a child, we must take a top-down approach, viewing them as a complete individual rather than a sum of disconnected parts. Every child is more than a diagnosis, a test score, or an isolated challenge. Yet too often, professionals—whether doctors, therapists, educators, or psychologists—focus on just…
Did you know that one of the world’s leading organizations for child development and education is based right here in Utah? The National Association for Child Development (NACD) has been headquartered in Northern Utah for over 40 years, helping tens of thousands of families in over 90 countries. While NACD has gained global recognition for…
Understanding the Relevance and Significance of Cognitive Function by Bob Doman The key to understanding and improving global function in children and adults with Down syndrome is determining and developing their cognitive function. Whether we are looking at a two-year-old or an adult with Down syndrome, their level of function, their ability to learn, think,…
Your Child’s Educational Future: Questions Every Parent Should Ask Themselves by Bob Doman Whether you have a gifted or typical child, a child with learning or attention issues or special needs, parents need to understand what their role is, and the role, if any, of schools. More and more parents are realizing that the one size…
by Bob Doman In his relatively short life, nineteen-year-old David has impacted and had a very positive influence on the lives of his four siblings, as well as his nieces, nephews, and the hundreds of children he has worked and interacted with at the family’s childcare center. If not for David, none of his siblings…
Below is a message from Dawn Zachmann, a superstar mother of a young man with Down syndrome and autism. Dawn is one of our exceptional parents who has taken her role as parent and grandparent very seriously, to the great benefit of her family and others. Dawn, mother of 5, brought her then five-year-old son…
by Bob Doman Today is marked as a day to raise international awareness of Down syndrome and to help advocate for the rights of people with Down syndrome. Having worked with many thousands of individuals with Down syndrome from all over the world for over fifty years, NACD needs to begin a discussion of rights,…
by Ellen Doman The seasons are changing and with that change comes increased congestion for children around the world. Whether you are moving from fall into winter or winter into spring, the changing temperatures, moisture levels, and changes in the trees and other plants outside can produce allergic responses in children and adults. So while…
by Bob Doman The description of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month is as follows: “The month of October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, where we celebrate and let everyone know our abilities and that we are capable of doing anything we set our minds to.” Children and adults with Down syndrome are near and dear…
by Bob Doman Isaac is a young man who we are very proud of, as we are of his mom and dad who have done such a great job with him. Isaac started with us ten years ago when he was seven. In the past ten years we have had the privilege of working with…