Parents with child with Down Snydrome.....a question 4 U?

Question

I have a 9 year old son (with DS) and a 4 year old daughter (no DS). Occasionally, I have other people's children ask me about why my son doesn't talk. How do you respond to it? How can I teach my daughter to respond? One time, a child said that he "doesn't talk" or he "can't talk".....I just said that some day, he WILL talk and that he is just taking a long time. My daughter seems to know and understands that he doesn't talk (in sentences - only single words) and she doesn't ask me about it. She is a little chatter-box. Should we involve her in helping to teach my son to talk?

Answer 1

Yes involve her!! That is a wonderful idea because I am sure the love each other very much. As far as responding to other people just tell them that he wants to be sure he knows all his words very well before he says them. Or you can always tell them he is a little different then them and thats what makes the world so beautiful is all different kinds of people. But if the children are very young they will not understand this as well as older children. Good luck with both of your wonderful children!! God Bless!!

Answer 2

Your daughter is used to the fact that her older brother doesn't talk like other children. Your son is 9 years old now and he can speak single words, but you hope that one day he'll be able to talk more or talk normally. But having DS, that depends on the level of his aberration(I hope this is the correct word as I am no american). If you want to know for sure, you should have him tested to see if his IQ is on a measure that it is likely that he will talk more some day. But don't put your expectations on that too high.
To other children you might explain that he can't think as fast as the other children and don't be ashamed, my experience is that many kids like children with DS because they are most of the time sweet and cheerful.
Love your children, enjoy your little chatterbox and enjoy your son and accept him for what he is.

Answer 3

Have you considered teaching him some simple signs to help him communicate? I work with children with special needs, a couple of which have DS, and teaching signs really helps their language along. Starting with signs such as more, mommy and daddy are good. Chilren will usually on their own start pairing the word with the sign. My 20 month old daughter has learned many of her words by using signs. Your daughter could be involved with this is you teach her the signs.