Blog #188~Down syndrome Awareness Month-5 Takeaways
As October and Down syndrome Awareness Month, comes to an end, I want to leave you with 5 things takeaways to keep in mind, and share with others about Down syndrome!
1. Babies with Down syndrome have low muscle tone (know as Hypotonia). This effects motor and oral motor development. It will take them a little longer to talk, walk, and eat the same foods as others. Early intervention with physical, occupational and speech therapy play a big part in growth and progress in these milestones.
2. People with Down syndrome aren’t ‘always happy’. They have feelings just like everyone else.
3. People with Down syndrome will share some common features. A few of these include low muscle tone, smaller in stature, almond-shaped eyes, tiny white (Brushfield) spots in the iris, a crease running in the palm of their hand, a gap between big and second toe. But they will more closely resemble their immediate family members.
My son, Nick has low muscle tone. We propped him in the high chair supported by pillows…..
4. People with Down syndrome can’t be ”more Downs’ than another. As with everyone else, each person with Down syndrome has their own strengths, weaknesses, talents and abilities.
Nick loves swimming and even tried scuba diving. He also has many jobs both at home and in his adult day program he attends……..
5. Please use ‘people first’ language, a person has or with Down syndrome. NOT a Down’s child or the Down syndrome kid. Down syndrome does not define who they are!
Actor and advocate, Chris Burke…..
Spreading awareness and information helps others to become more understanding and accepting of individuals with Down syndrome, and their contributions to society. That’s what is in my noggin this week!
~Teresa 🙂
Follow Nick:
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Twitter @tjunnerstall
Down Syndrome with a Slice of Autism 