March 7, 2011 8:20 AM
Growing up with Down syndrome
In case you have a young child with Down syndrome and want to know what their future looks like, you can get an idea from my son Jonny's album:
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| Jonny |
Jonny was our eighth child and I've told his story in many places, but the first was My Little Extra: Lessons in Love from an Unexpected Teacher, which explains how after the birth of his younger sister Maddy, we adopted three more sons with Down syndrome.
Jonny's pictures tell a tale of joy and gladness - something I'm convinced God planned to sprinkle throughout His kingdom.
My advice for families is to get involved. Look for every opportunity you can possibly find to build your child's community. Look for Special Olympics teams, Adaptive Recreation activities, Easter Seals Camp, Very Special Arts.
Do your best to get your child integrated into the life of your church. Jonny serves as an Altar Boy. And our four Downzers all have a wonderful CCD teacher who not only teaches them about the Bible, but has made it possible for them to receive the sacraments of Penance, Communion and Confirmation.
While you may go/have gone through a period of mourning the child you thought you were going to have, I recommend replacing it as soon as possible with a feeling of gratitude and pride - which will help the rest of the family and community feel the same. This will give your child the best possible start and set the tone for his/her outlook on life.
Become an advocate not only for your child but for all children with Down syndrome. If your local Cub Scout/Boy Scout troop has never had a kid with Down syndrome, offer to work with them to make it possible. Same for children's theater, summer camps.
These children have so much to offer, bringing out the best in everyone around them. As my son Matt said, "Wouldn't it be a better world if every family had a kid with Down syndrome?"
Wouldn't it indeed?
See also:
- About That Extra Chromosome - Down Syndrome Rocks!
- The busy lives of my guys with Down syndrome
- The future of my sons with Down syndrome
- Maddy Curtis discusses Down syndrome on American Idol
And a collection of 115 Mother/Child photos:
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| Our Little Extras: Moms Celebrate Down syndrome! |
Please feel free to send me your photo too!
Posted in Down syndrome, Family | Permalink
Comments
Great advice Barbara! Matthew is 3 now and I am definitely in the "get involved and build his community" mode. Matthew has definitely brought out the best in everyone's lives he has touched. We are very very proud of him. :-)
Posted by: Ria Haag | March 7, 2011 2:12 PM
