Understanding A Child With Down Syndrome
As a parent of a child with Down syndrome, you play a critical role in helping your child to develop to his or her full potential. Some parents feel overwhelmed and incapable of offering the necessary love and support, so they opt for foster homes or adoption. However, most parents meet the challenge head-on, with the support of National Down Syndrome Society programs aimed at helping prepare new parents for everything they are about to face. Raising a Down child is not easy, but neither is raising any child, really! Your Down syndrome baby will face all the same developmental milestones, which you will celebrate just the same; you will just have to be a little more patient. Be sure to take care of yourself, first and foremost, to prevent frustration and exhaustion during the early years.
At home, your attitude is critical to your child's development. Here are some Down syndrome facts. While acceptance and social normalcy are a reality now more than ever, your child will still face hurdles with cruel children at school. A Down child is also susceptible to depression, so your love and acceptance is very important. Many parents attend support group meetings through the National Down Syndrome Society to learn how to better care for their Down syndrome child and to address any negative emotions. Patience is more than just a virtue here; it is an absolute necessity. While your child may learn to breast feed, roll over, walk and talk later than his or her peers, you will still find these achievements just as significant. Set aside time each day to practice daily skills like getting dressed, using silverware or helping with chores. Being organized with a routine, as well as a system of lists, behavior contracts and rewards is the best way to encourage your child against the effects of Down syndrome.
As your child with Down syndrome grows, work on fostering independent skills like bathing, grooming, eating and dressing. This will prepare Down syndrome children for a possible future that includes independent living. Many adults with Down syndrome have their own apartments or live with others in a group home where they can achieve a level of freedom and maturity. The more you engage your child in social activities and the more interests you expose him or her to, the more active and self-sufficient your child will become. Special Olympics, art classes or music classes are hobbies that many disabled children excel at, which improves self esteem and confidence.
Know the health risks of your child with Down syndrome. Find a good medical practitioner who specializes in Down syndrome obstacles. Heart defects, visual impairments, hearing problems and difficulty breathing are all common ailments children with Down syndrome may face. Diet is also very important for the disabled. Be aware that obesity can be a problem, and that high-sugar/additives/preservatives may be upsetting. Try a natural diet with alpha-ketoglutaric acid supplements. You may also need to limit dairy if your child is prone to ear infections. Additionally, a Down syndrome child may sleep poorly, with frequent awakenings and interrupted REM sleep. This could lead to more difficulty focusing and learning, research suggests. Discuss treatment options with your health care practitioner if you suspect this condition may be prevalent.
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children with down syndrome
Parents of children with Down syndrome are flooded with a barrage of emotions. They may experience disappointment, anger, grief, frustration, fear and anxiety. Mothers over the age 35, who have a higher chance of having a baby with Down syndrome, may experience guilt or self-blame.
down syndrome genetic
One in 1,000 American babies is born with the Down syndrome genetic condition, although it is estimated that 90% of the mothers who receive an early diagnosis choose abortion. There are many fallacies about people with Down syndrome that scare parents into making a rash decision. Most adults with Down syndrome live independently, marry, have jobs and live past their fifties nowadays.
down syndrome
Down syndrome affects roughly 1/1,000 American babies. While it's every parent's worst nightmare to receive a Down syndrome diagnosis, 75% of all parents with a Down syndrome child will tell you the experience was ultimately extremely rewarding. Raising any child is never easy and raising a developmentally disabled child will certainly require more patience.