Tips for raising a child with Down Syndrome

         Here are a few resources and tips to parents blessed with a child who  has Down Syndrome


1. Find  a support group

Parents may  feel over whelmed , may be even depressed, when they first learn their baby has DS. It usually helps to talk to other parents who are in the same situation. They can help  give  you tips and point you to doctors , therapists and resources that may be help of you.

2. Bond you with your child through attachment parenting.

When parents respond  to their baby's emotional cues, they  can better sense what  he or she needs,  even when he or she can't tell you. Make sure too that you involve  other family members in raising your child with DS. You will soon find out how blessed you are to have such a child in the family.

3.  seek out good medical practitioners 

When  looking for a pedia, make sure that he or she is familiar with  DS,  or better yet. has experience relating with patients with DS. People with Down Syndrome are usually at risk for varied medical problems, most common  of which are heart defects , vision and  hearing impairment . Your child needs to  be screened by cardiologists, opthalmologists and audiologists.

4. Avail of  early intervention services right  after birth.

Children with DS may need physical ans speech therapy if delays  in these  areas are present. Some kids may also exhibit some degree of mental retardation .

5. Ask professionals to teach you what you can do at home  to  help your child develop

Kids with DS usually have weak muscle tone and will  benefit a lot from movement therapy, or perhaps even music and movement classes such as those given by Gymboree, Kindermusik or Musikgarten. You may also want to  teach  your little one sign language to help compansate for speech delays . Lastly but most importantly.

6. Love your child and enjoy the gift of life you  have been given through him or her

 Parenting in itself is a daunting task, so make sure you  embrace your  role  with faith , hope and love. Many parents  of kids with DS can testify that their kids are deeply affectionate and  seem to  approach life with great  joy . You  and your family and friends will realize how wonderful  life  is just by spending time with your child, or other people with DS.