Hi I need help,is there anyone with a down syndrome child out there, can you get in torch with me?

Question

I would like to know how I can help them in all way possible, feeding, sitting and what kind of excercise.I have a lovelly grand daughter which I would like to help and I dont know how to.

Answer 1

Hi! I am a mom to a little boy who has DS. from what I read, it sounds like your grand daughter is still a baby. there is so much that you can start doing. first of all is she in a birth to 3 program or early intervention program? that is a top priority! please feel free to email me, my son turned 3 this past December and the baby stages aren't that far back for me to remember...lol I would be happy to help you!

Answer 2

Hi, I have a nephew with Down's Syndrome and my 4 year old son's best friend at nursery also has it. The best people to talk to would be your Granddaughter's GP or Physiotherapist. If she has not yet been referred to a Physiotherapist, talk to the GP and make sure she is referred. There are so many things that can be done to help her along with her development, and a Physio will be able to talk you through it. All the best of luck. I'm sure you know already that a child with Down's is just as capable of doing everything that a child without it is - it just takes a little more time and commitment. My nephew and my son's friend are little marvels!

Answer 3

gosh i got a tear to my eye there, kinda took me back to when i found out my daughter had autisim

your grandchild will have so many talents ands positive outlooks on life, he/she will be cared and loved and probably happy because you are already planning for their future

go to your local council there is disabilty resources there, lists of specail needs nurseries, schools, support groups

there's so much help and advice out there now,its hard at times but life goes on we are all blessed and loved for being here

go onto the national ds website, the spectrum is so wide and varing from each child, i have worked voluntary for years with ds, they are so happy, mabey some with heart trouble and breathing difficulties but they are a wonderfull inspiration the the worlds, cherish him/her and keep them safe

he/she can have a normal life, work get a job, partner and even live idependanty with support, oh and befor ei go away early intervention as a person stated above is the best fro cognitive develpment, studies show the quicker you stimualte the child the more luck and better chances they will have in the world

your not on your own, good luck and all the best for what the future holds

Answer 4

41 years ago, my youngest sister was born. She has Down syndrome, but in that era, even the doctors called her "a mongolian idiot." They suggested that my parents tell us 4 older kids that the baby died and then to institutionalize her and forget about her. My parents instead brought her home, and she changed all of our lives for the better. My dad was a very focused and success-oriented man, and at first he found my sister's limitations upsetting. But he soon realized that she was learning and developing, just on a slower timetable, and it made my dad a much more compassionate and thoughtful person. In the end, Dad was her biggest booster and cheerleader - he was very proud of her. All of us became more empathetic and comfortable with people who have differences. And my sister is now a happy adult, with a job, a boyfriend, and friends who truly love her. People with DS seem to have a special gift for enjoying the details of life; it's a gift to the rest of us to be with someone who is truly happy.

As far as helping your granddaughter, be sure that she is enrolled in early learning programs. The teachers will show you ways to help strengthen her muscles; low muscle tone is one characteristic that virtually all DS kids have. Much of what will be helpful to your granddaughter's development is common to all children: sing to her, rock her, talk to her about what you are doing and what is around you, tickle her, kiss her, read to her, take her different places and help her to experience the world. Kids with Down syndrome have far more similarities to typical kids than they do differences.

There are some very good books about teaching kids with DS, and you can find suggested reading material on the Down Syndrome websites. But the most important thing to realize is that she is a child, not that different from other children, who happens to have DS.

Answer 5

What a wonderful Grandma you are! I can assure you that your grandaughter is going to do well, especially because she has people in her life who want to help her.

I have a 2 1/2 year old boy with Down syndrome. Because of his low muscle tone, he has only just recently learned to sit up completely on his own...now there is no stopping him. I hope that your granddaughter is enrolled in an Early intervention program and receiving physical and speech/communication and occupationjal therapy to help with feeding issues. As you probably know, our little angels have muscle tone issues and many have sensory issues which can make feeding a challenge.

Feel free to email me with any specific information. Also, there is a wonderful website at http://www.downsyn.com/ and there you will find a forum comprised of parents and grandparents of children with Down syndrome. They have a wealth of information to share and you should check out the "Brag" section to see just how well our kids are doing! I hope you'll join and we can here your brags too!

Good luck and God bless!

Answer 6

God bless you your granddaughter is lucky to have a grandparent like you. I don't know too much about down symdrome except they are extremely loving kids. When she goes to the doctors i would try and go with them to get some infomation. I 'm sure she vists frequently. I know my daughter does shes 6 and has spina bifida. I wish my mom was like you, she doesn't bother with her grandchild ;-; Good luck to you guys.

Answer 7

Sorry.. cant help with specifics but im sure theres plenty of web sites out there that will offer lots of help. just wanted to say that i think this little girl was born lucky to have a grandparent like you.

Answer 8

http://www.cafamily.org.uk/

This link is to a reputable organisation that connects families of special needs children. In 20 years of special needs nursing I have never found any organisation better at linking families.