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Blessed are you
Blessed are you who take the time to listen to difficult speech, for you help me know that if I persevere, I can be understood. Blessed are you who never bid me to "hurry up" or take my tasks from me, for I often need time rather than help. Blessed are you who stand beside me as I enter new and untried ventures, for my failures will be outweighed by the times I surprise myself and you. Blessed are you who ask for my help, for my greatest need is to be needed. Blessed are you who understand that it is difficult for me to put my thoughts into words. Blessed are you who with a smile, encourage me to try once more. Blessed are you who never remind that today I asked the same question twice. Blessed are you who respect me and love me just as I am. |
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Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs in approximately one in every 733 live births. It affects people of all ages, races and economic levels. It is the most frequently occurring chromosomal abnormality. It occurs when there are three rather then two, number 21 chromosomes present in every cell of the body. Instead of the usual 46 chromosomes, a person with Down syndrome has 47. It is this additional genetic material that alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with the syndrome. More then 350,000 people in the United States alone have Down syndrome. Each of these individuals touches the lives of family members, educators, employers, health care professionals, peers and others. This network of people who are affected by Down syndrome numbers in the millions.
Today, individuals with Down syndrome are active participants in the educational, vocational, social and recreational aspects of our communities. In fact, there are more opportunities than ever before for individuals with Down syndrome to develop their abilities, discover their talents and realize their dreams. For example, more teens and adults with Down syndrome each year are graduating from high school, going to college, finding employment and living independently.
Approximately 5,000 children with Down syndrome are born each year. The cause of Down syndrome is completely unknown and it occurs at the moment of conception. It is generally assumed that babies with Down syndrome are born to older mothers, however this is untrue, 80% of children born with Down syndrome are born to mothers under the age of 35.
A Guide for New Parents of Children with Down Syndrome What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is the genetic condition resulting when a baby is born with three, rather than the usual two, copies of chromosome 21. Because there are three copies of chromosome 21, Down syndrome is also called trisomy 21. In a small percentage of cases, there is only an additional part of chromosome 21. This is called partial trisomy 21. The cause of the extra chromosome (or part) is still unknown. This extra genetic material will affect your child's development but it is not a blueprint that determines his or her potential.
Although there are physical indicators of Down syndrome in a newborn, a definitive diagnosis can only be made with a karyotype, a visual display of the chromosomes. Make sure to obtain a copy of your child's karyotype. Getting Support and Information
In the first few months, your best resource will be other parents. Families who have children with Down syndrome can help you look beyond your baby's diagnosis and delight in the joys of parenthood. They can also help you understand the new terminology, services and organizations that will help your baby develop successfully. NDSS is affiliated with parent support groups across the country and can refer you to a group in your area.,
NDSS can also provide information on all aspects of Down syndrome. Contact us for a free New Parent Packet that contains general information, inspirational material and a list of resources for new parents. When you visit NDSS online at www.ndss.org, you can find local and national resources, connect with other parents through message boards, purchase helpful products and more. A Healthy Start
You can ensure your newborn's optimal development through informed health care. The Health Care Guidelines for Individuals with Down Syndrome are compiled by the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group, a national affiliation of health care providers who care for individuals with Down syndrome. The guidelines, which follow an individual's development from birth through adulthood, will alert your primary care physician to potential health concerns for your child. For instance, during the first three months, babies should be screened for cardiac problems, cataracts and hearing loss. While the guidelines highlight areas in which babies with Down syndrome may be at risk, this doesn't mean that your baby will have all or any of the conditions listed. Remember that each baby is an individual with a unique medical history.
Because children with Down syndrome are generally shorter than typically developing children, Down Syndrome Growth Charts have been created by physicians and researchers to help track your child's development. Both the Down Syndrome Health Care Guidelines and Growth Charts are available free of charge through the NDSS Web site or by calling our Information and Referral Center.
For optimal health care, locate a developmental pediatrician, specialists knowledgeable about Down syndrome or a Down syndrome clinic if one is available near your home. These specialists can work with your primary care physician. Local parent groups are an excellent resource for learning of health care professionals who have experience with Down syndrome. Therapies & Treatments
As you research Down syndrome, you will likely come across information on alternative therapies that are promoted for children with Down syndrome. Through the years there have been many popular therapies, but none have been scientifically proven and many are not documented to be safe or effective. Understandably, parents want to try anything they feel will help their child, but be sure to discuss all potential therapies or treatments with your pediatrician and consider these important questions:
Early Intervention & Preschool
Your child is entitled to intervention and education that will assist in maximizing his or her potential. Early intervention should begin as soon as possible after birth and should be targeted to your child's needs. Early intervention may include physical, speech and occupational therapy. The evaluation to determine whether your child is eligible for early intervention is free of charge if performed by a state-authorized service provider. Check with your state's early intervention center for these providers. No child may be denied services based on ability to pay, but each state has its own process to administer these services. A complete listing of early intervention centers by state is available on the NDSS Web site.
Federal law PL 105-17, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), mandates that local school districts provide free preschool services for children with disabilities starting at the age of three. A local parent group can help you access these services and, if necessary, advocate for your child's needs. Kindergarten
As your baby grows and prepares for kindergarten, you will need to learn more about your child's educational rights, protected by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Under IDEA, your child is entitled to "a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment." The "least restrictive environment" may include placement in your neighborhood school. For many children with Down syndrome, the least restrictive environment is a classroom with typical students of all abilities, supported by teacher's assistants and therapists when necessary. This arrangement is called "inclusion."
Inclusion has become more common in recent years, primarily because parents have advocated for it. Inclusion is beneficial to both the child with Down syndrome and the other students in the class. Learn your local school district's educational philosophy and begin advocating for change if necessary. Inclusion should be an option for all students, but there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to educating students with Down syndrome. Expectations
When a child with Down syndrome is born, many people - from experts to family members - will tell you they "know" what your child will accomplish in life. While there are guidelines regarding physical and cognitive development, it is impossible to predict the future of a child with Down syndrome - just as it is for any other child. No professional can look at a child and tell you how intelligent, successful or independent he or she will be in 20, 30 or 50 years.
Don't lower your expectations because your baby has Down syndrome. You will never know what your child is capable of if you don't give him or her the chance to succeed. Today, individuals with Down syndrome are achieving more than we ever thought possible - due in part to a higher expectations and more opportunities. They are living independently and semi-independently, working and volunteering in the community, graduating high school and attending post-secondary education programs. People with Down syndrome have meaningful relationships and some marry. Whether or not your child accomplishes these things, it is never wrong to challenge children to do their best.
While it's important to encourage children with Down syndrome to follow their dreams, remember to balance your positive expectations with reality. Avoid placing unrealistically high expectations on your child. Failure to meet parental expectations can negatively affect a child's self-esteem. In any case, it is important to enjoy this time with your baby and celebrate each milestone as it happens. Your Entire Family
When a baby is born, especially one with Down syndrome, the family's attention is often focused on its newest member. It will be difficult, but don't lose sight of the needs of your spouse and other children. Build time into the day for each member of the family. All members of your family are special in their own way - not just your child with Down syndrome. Encourage your whole family to focus on the baby as an individual and a member of the family, not only on his or her diagnosis. What the Future Holds
Your child has been, or is about to be, born into a world of opportunities never before imagined for people with Down syndrome. NDSS has worked since 1979 to ensure that all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. We have celebrated many advancements through the years, but there is still far to go. We envision a future in which your baby realizes dreams that today we cannot even imagine.
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If you would like to speak to someone in our area, please contact: Ximena Burns at 321-454-2161 Theresa Mitchell at 321-480-4796 Richard Cloutier at 321-288-9670 |
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