by Sharon Meyer

Created on: April 10, 2009

10 FACTS PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME SHOULD KNOW

1. If you have only just learned your child has Down Syndrome , don't despair. It is not the end of the world. Instead you will soon learn that it's the beginning of a brand new way of looking at the world.

2. Every child with Down Syndrome is different. They have varying levels of abilities just as every other so-called normal child.

3. Children with Down Syndrome are not stupid. Just ask any parent who is raising a child with Down Syndrome and they will tell you some of the amazing feats these kids have done when motivated to do so. My own son took our car keys at age four and not only started the car but drove it. He sat in his car seat for all those years watching exactly what mommy and daddy did and just copied it.

4. Remember this : you do not have a "downs syndrome child" , you instead have a "child" who happens to have Down Syndrome. Yes, wording makes all the difference.

5. Treat your child as normal as possible in all ways. Let them play and be around non disabled children.
Children with Down Syndrome are great at mimicking the actions of those around them. It's a great way for them to learn socially acceptable behaviors.

6. Never let any educational outlook report get you down. When my son was a baby I called his early child development specialist because I was so upset by the dismal outcome of his developmental reports. She came right over to my house and the first thing she did was rip them up and throw them on the floor. She told me something I will never forget , " Don't ever let these types of reports LIMIT your child.. No diagnostic testing can ever tell you the whole picture of what the future will hold." I always kept that in mind while raising my son with Down Syndrome and she was so very right. At the age of eighteen, my son Joey went on to serve as an intern at the office of Senator Bill Nelson. What test could ever have predicted that?

7. The higher your expectations are of your child the more likely your child will meet them. If you aim low then they respond with little motivation. If you aim high then they too will aim high.

8. Be proud of your child and show them just how proud you are of every little accomplishment they make. This too will motivate them to accomplish more. These children love to please their parents.
9. Have patience. Your child will meet developmental milestones but at their own pace. Don't try to push it or your child will become frustrated and stubborn.

10. Take time out for yourself. Your child needs you at your best and if you are not getting enough rest and time away from your child then you will not be at your best for your child.

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