Confessions of the Chromosomally Enhanced

Dual perspectives on Down syndrome

Sibling & Parent

Elizabeth Newtonwww.ConfessionsOfTheChromosomallyEnhanced.Blogspot.com

My Big Sister

Building a healthy sibling

relationship

• Down syndrome was not a secret, but it was not an issue

• Each sibling established her own identity

• High expectations without exceptions

• My sibling was never made to be my responsibility

Special Needs Sibling Benefits

-Kaiser Permanente Department of Genetics

AdoptionAccording to the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network, there are more than 200 families waiting to adopt a baby with Down syndrome. Some choose to adopt a child because they have a sibling or other relative with Down syndrome. Many who work in the special education or therapy field are interested in adopting children with Down syndrome as well.

Health Issues

Early InterventionJosie’s Early Intervention resources include:

• Mississippi Bend Area Education Association

• Genesis Pediatric Therapy

• University of Iowa Children’s Hospital Center for Disabilities and Development

• GiGi’s Playhouse

Advice for therapists

• Approach each child as an individual

• Set high expectations and push

• Be flexible

• Highlight the positive

• Use current terminology and people-first language

Three related surveys led by a physician at Children’s Hospital Boston suggest that the experience of Down syndrome is a positive one for most parents, siblings and people with Down syndrome

themselves. The results, published in three reports in the October issue of the American Journal of Medical Genetics, may serve to inform expectant parents and clinicians providing prenatal care.

The Down Syndrome Experience: A Survey

Siblings

Individuals with Down syndrome