I received a call from Traci Brewer, Executive Director for DSACK (Downs Syndrome Association of Central Kentucky) she wanted some information on what we could offer some of her clients. She expressed interest in our Teen Cuisine program.  Individuals with Down's syndrome are predisposed to a variety of medical conditions which can impose an additional, but preventable, burden of secondary disability. The biggest concern is obesity.

About 6,000 babies - or one in every 691 - are born with Down syndrome each year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to report in the medical journal Pediatrics they found 25.5 percent of boys with Down syndrome were overweight and 4.2 percent were obese. Among girls with the condition, 32 percent were overweight and 5.1 percent obese. One of the reasons may be because it’s harder for young people with Down syndrome to develop their motor skills, they may be less active.

Mrs. Brewer said “…people with Down syndrome tend to prefer keeping strict routines, which could be something parents can take advantage of to help instill healthy habits. In adults it might be that if they get into a routine of eating healthy it’s more likely to stick,”

I decide to start with a small group of kids with Down’s syndrome grades 6th-9th. A parent or caregiver would also be present to help the kids. Their reading level was at a 2nd -3rd grade level. I began my class every time with Hand Washing. We sang to the tune of Happy Birthday and by week three they were singing it on their own before anybody had to tell them.

In week two I introduced knife safety, I used children chef knives I wanted them to develop and encouraged their culinary learning, bonding, and confidence. I was met with some resistance from parents but when they saw how the children paid attention and concentrated on the task at hand they were excited. One mother cried as she watched her son slice a cucumber and then eat it with ranch dip. SB was smiling and was proud of what he had done. “I would’ve never thought my son could do this." The look of pride and accomplishment on his face is worth it for me.” Another mom said “If I can get her to make snacks on her own then I know she can develop the skills necessary to eventually live on her own.” The children tried new vegetables and the program was so successful that Traci Brewer has a waitlist for the next class.

SB is participating in 4-H cooking class at his school.