How to Raise a Child With Down Syndrome

Trisomy 21, better known as Down syndrome, is the most common chromosomal abnormality in humans. People with Down syndrome vary widely in how they are affected, but health problems and lagging development are common. Children with Down syndrome are special needs children who require special parenting. Follow these steps to raise your Down syndrome child.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Take care of yourself. When you first learn that you are the parent of a child with Down syndrome, you can feel overwhelmed. It helps to talk to other parents in the same situation. Contact the National Down Syndrome Society about support groups and other resources in your area.
2. Use attachment parenting to promote a strong bond with your child. By responding to her emotional cues, you can better to sense what she needs when she can't tell you. Involve other family, particularly siblings, in raising a child with Down syndrome. Everyone benefits from these relationships.
3. Find a good medical practitioner. People with Down syndrome are subject to many medical problems, with heart defects, vision and hearing problems most common. They should be screened by cardiologists, ophthalmologists and audiologists.
4. Enroll your child in Early Intervention Services soon after birth. Therapists and early childhood teachers come to your home to work on your child's development. Physical and speech therapies are usually indicated due to delays in these areas. Some degree of mental retardation may be present as well. By age three, your child is eligible for services through the school system. Learn all you can about special education services and rights in your state.
5. Learn from professionals what you can do at home to help your child develop. Children with Down syndrome often have weak muscle tone and can benefit from movement therapy. To help compensate for speech delays, you might teach your child sign language so that he can let those around him know what he wants.
6. Explore the role of diet in your child's life. Some people believe that people with Down syndrome have more difficulty with the typical American diet of high sugar, additives and preservatives. Try natural foods. If your child is subject to frequent ear infections, limit produce mucous-producing foods. Ask your doctor whether nutritional supplements like alpha-ketoglutaric acid are needed.
7. Enjoy your child. Just like many things in life, parenting is improved by a good attitude. Down syndrome children are affectionate and approach life with an enviable joy. Parents, family and friends can profit from time spent with people with Down syndrome.

Tips & Warnings

• People with Down syndrome can live up to 60 years, with some living in semi-independent situations and holding down jobs.
• Some children are born with half the abnormal gene pattern. They are classified as "mosaics" and usually have a milder case of Down syndrome.
• Parents of children with Down syndrome may run into insurance problems. Talk with representatives from the National Down Syndrome Society and state Medicaid programs about available programs.
• Expect misguided expressions of sympathy. Encourage family and friends to be supportive and to get to know your child.