KDSN Pathways
Education, Support & Community for Every Stage

KDSN Pathways is a monthly program created to support, educate, and connect individuals with Down syndrome and their families at every stage of life. Each KDSN Pathways day brings multiple programs together in one place so families can access trusted information, developmental support, meaningful connections, and age-appropriate programming in a welcoming community setting.

Our September KDSN Pathways program will be held on:

Saturday, September 12, 2026
11:30 AM–1:30 PM
New Life Church
4201 Stine Road
Bakersfield, CA 93313

Lunch will be provided to all registered attendees.

Lunch & Learn

This month, we are honored to welcome members of the Strategic Therapies for Overcoming Reactive iMmunology (STORM) Lab at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

Our presenting team will include:

Maeve Lucas, Lab Manager
Mariam Yousuf, Research Specialist
Samuel Otey, Clinical Research Coordinator
Stella Gray, Clinical Research Coordinator
Madeline Oswald, Clinical Research Coordinator

The STORM Lab team conducts clinical and translational research focused on neurological and neuroimmunological conditions, including Down Syndrome Regression Disorder. Their work seeks to improve understanding of these complex conditions, strengthen diagnostic approaches, and help advance more precise and effective treatments.

Understanding Down Syndrome Regression Disorder: Current Research & Future Directions

Down Syndrome Regression Disorder, commonly referred to as DSRD, is a serious and often confusing condition that can involve significant changes in an individual’s communication, behavior, movement, independence, and daily functioning.

During this session, the STORM Lab team will share current research surrounding DSRD, what researchers are learning about its presentation and possible underlying disease processes, and future directions for diagnosis and treatment. Families will also learn about research and educational opportunities available through Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

The team will highlight:

• Current DSRD research and emerging areas of study
• The NOVA research study for individuals with Down syndrome and DSRD
• The Neuroimmunology Biorepository research study
• The Second Annual Down Syndrome Regression Disorder Symposium
• The National Down Syndrome Society DSRD Summary and Symptom Checklist
• Opportunities for families to learn more or participate in research

Printed study flyers and DSRD resources will be available for families attending the event.

Why Join Us in Person?

Families attending in person will have the opportunity to hear directly from the STORM Lab research team, ask questions, connect with other local families, enjoy lunch together, and receive helpful printed resources to take home.

This is an especially valuable opportunity for Kern County families to connect directly with professionals conducting Down syndrome-specific research and helping advance the understanding of DSRD.

Foundations for Growth: 0–5 Developmental Series

Learning Through Play with a Ms. Rachel Impersonator

Presented by Bakersfield Fairytale Friends

Join a Ms. Rachel impersonator for an engaging and interactive early childhood experience designed for children and their caregivers. Through songs, movement, simple sign language, imaginative play, and early language activities, families will explore enjoyable ways to support communication, social-emotional development, and learning through everyday play.

Caregivers are encouraged to participate alongside their children so the songs, signs, and activities introduced during the session can continue to be used at home.

Children and caregivers will have opportunities to:

• Build early communication and language skills through songs, repetition, and simple signs
• Practice gross motor movement, imitation, and interactive play
• Explore counting, colors, emotions, animal sounds, and turn-taking
• Participate in storytime and imaginative learning activities
• Learn simple songs and activities that encourage learning and connection at home

The session will include live music and singing, movement activities, storytime, interactive demonstrations, hands-on caregiver participation, and a special meet-and-greet and photo opportunity at the conclusion of the program.

Although Foundations for Growth is KDSN’s developmental series for families with children ages 0–5, the activities in this special session are designed to be enjoyable and engaging for children of all ages.

Connect Club

Connect Club provides supervised activities, social opportunities, and a welcoming place for participants to build friendships while parents and caregivers attend a KDSN Pathways session.

Beginning with our September event, Connect Club will be divided into two age-based groups. This will allow KDSN to provide activities and social experiences that better reflect each participant’s age, interests, and stage of life.

Ages 5–12

Children ages 5–12 will participate in supervised games, crafts, movement activities, snacks, and opportunities to practice social skills and build friendships in a fun and supportive environment.

Ages 13 Through Adulthood

Teens and adults ages 13 and older will have a separate space with age-respectful activities, games, conversations, and social opportunities selected with their interests and abilities in mind. This group will focus on connection, friendship, participation, and enjoying time with peers in a welcoming environment.

Advance registration is required for both groups. Registration helps KDSN plan appropriate activities, supplies, room assignments, and volunteer support while creating a safe and positive experience for every participant.

Spanish Interpretation and Transportation

Spanish interpretation and transportation are available by advance request.

Transportation and Spanish interpretation must be requested through this registration form no later than:

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Advance notice gives KDSN time to coordinate transportation arrangements and secure an interpreter for each requested session. We will make every effort to support our families, but transportation and Spanish interpretation cannot be guaranteed for requests received after the September 9 deadline.

Registration

Registration is required for all attendees, including parents, caregivers, children, teens, adults, siblings, and guests.

Please include everyone who will be attending from your family or group when completing your registration. Accurate registration helps KDSN plan meals, materials, room assignments, transportation, interpretation, activities, and appropriate volunteer support.

We look forward to learning, connecting, and growing together at September KDSN Pathways!

Sibshops

KDSN plans to begin offering Sibshops in January 2027, providing siblings of individuals with Down syndrome with a supportive place to connect, have fun, and spend time with others who understand the sibling experience. Additional information will be shared with families as the January launch approaches.