October Events
See what we are bringing awareness to and what activities Bella Smiles for Developmental Disabilities are participating in throughout the month.
October Month: National Rett Syndrome Awareness Month
Rett Syndrome is a genetic neurological disorder that affects growth, motor skills, movement, and coordination. There is no cure for 1 in every 10,000 females (it is even rarer for males to have Rett Syndrome). Because of how rare it is life expectancy is unknown but the older a patient gets the higher their chance to develop major issues increases. Some issues that can occur as a patient with Rett Syndrome grows older are seizures, lack of mobility, cardiac difficulties, and pneumonia. With Research, therapy, treatments, and medicine patients with Rett Syndrome can help slow down its progression, help with symptoms, and improve the patient's quality of life. Join and partner with us at Bella Smiles for DD, the International Rett Syndrome Foundation, and the whole Rett Syndrome family because they are ALL IN this October to bring awareness.
October 25, 2025 1pm-4pm Saturday Rett Syndrome Awareness Sensory Play Event
We are hosting an Inclusive Sensory Play Event to bring awareness for Rett Syndrome. On Saturday, October 25th at We Rock The Spectrum in Federal Way from 1pm to 4pm come and have inclusive creative, imaginative and sensory play. Learn about Rett Syndrome and our programs, goals and mission.
October 4 : Buddy Walk with 321 Buddy
We will be partnering with 321 Buddy on Saturday, Oct 4 for their Buddy Walk. We will be cheering on walkers and have an information booth from 10:30am- 1:00 pm. 321 Buddy supports children and families with Down Syndrome. This walk is helping to raise money for their non profit to help the resources they provide for the community with Down Syndrome. October is Down Syndrome Awareness month, and brings awareness to Down Syndrome which is a genetic disorder caused by extra chromosomes. Down Syndrome affects people with many physical disabilities and developmental delays. Visit 321 buddy's website for more info.
October 9, 2025 Uganda Independence Day
October 9th is Uganda's Independence Day celebrating Uganda's independence from the United Kingdom in 1962. Because our strong ties to Uganda and all the families we support there, we will be joining in this celebration. Take some time to learn more about Uganda and its fight for Independence.
October 6, 2025 : World Cerebral Palsy Day
Cerebral Palsy is a condition when damage occurs most often before birth in a developing brain. muscle It results in movement, posture, muscles and intellectual disabilities among a few symptoms. On October 6th the world brings awareness to this condition. Early intervention means the best prognosis for patients with Cerebral Palsy, and different types of therapies play a big role in having muscle function and communication skills. These therapies help the patient and care takers relationship and in turn makes life more manageable. Let's take come time on Oct 6th to learn more about Cerebral Palsy and support those with Cerebral Palsy.
October 10, 2025 World Mental Health Day
Did you know that according to studies 30-40 % of people with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities experience mental health conditions. This number is higher in children (closer to 50% according to some studies). This means it's truly important to understand the symptoms of common mental health issues and triggers that the person with IDD experiences. It's also equally important to know what to do to minimize mental health issues and resources that are available to a person with IDD. Mental Health issues are often complicated but with strong community and support system we can help manage mental health issues.
October 19-25, 2025 : Invisible Disabilities Week
There are many disabilities, among them are ones referred to as invisible because when you look at a person you can see their disability. There are many invisible intellectual developmental disabilities including, Autism, ADHD, and other learning disabilities. During this week we will be bringing awareness to some of these invisible disabilities that people in the IDD community face. Check out our Facebook page to see more.
October Down Syndrome Awareness Month
​October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. It is to bring awareness to Down Syndrome which is a genetic disorder caused by extra or partial copy of chromosome 21. Down Syndrome affects people with many physical disabilities and developmental delays. According to the CDC it affects about 1 in 640 babies in the United States. You can join in bringing awareness by wearing blue and yellow, their official colors, volunteering, or attending community events or challenges to bring awareness to Down Syndrome. Find out more about Down Syndrome by visiting the National Down Syndrome Society website.
