Month: January 2018

Posted in Down syndrome, Feeding, Physical Therapy and Special Needs, Speech and Occupational Therapy

Blog #197~My son with Down syndrome, 24 years ago: What I learned

Posted on by tjunnerstall

Blog #197~My son with Down syndrome 24 years ago: What I learned

Down syndrome journey

Birthdays are often a time to reflect back on our journey in life.  My son Nick, will be turning 24 years old next week.  I didn’t know until after he was born, that he had Down syndrome.  Honestly, I was more concerned for his health more than anything.  After a week in ICU, Nick was released.  The doctor told us to go home and love are baby.  He cautioned me that Nick might not be able to nurse properly and gain weight without having to use a feeding tube.  I thought to myself, “game on, challenge accepted”.  I rolled up my sleeves and got to work.  I hated all those wires that had been hooked up to him in ICU.  I certainly didn’t want any more hooked up to my son, moving forward.

The feeding tube never entered the equation.  Instead, what I found is that we had to work harder to be successful not only in feeding, but in reaching all developmental milestones.  Within 8 weeks, Nick started an Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program.  Low muscle tone is a trait of having Down syndrome.  The physical, speech and occupational therapists along with his teacher provided strategies to help build strength and endurance.  More important, they gave us pragmatic ways to incorporate these at home in our daily routine.

Nick propped in high chair, supported with a bolster under his legs and pillows on the sides…..

Nick low tone high chair

That is how it all started 24 years ago, with Nick.  I’ve learned a few things while raising my son especially in the early years.  First, is that the developmental milestones take longer to hit, but each mark was met with hard work and persistence.  In addition, find the people and resources that will facilitate, motivate and help to modify your child’s environment to allow them to grow and flourish.  It’s important to keep your expectations high, just as you would with any other child.  But keep in mind, you have to be very patient, because it can take longer to roll over, crawl, walk and feed.  If you feel like your child is stalled in development, then look for other therapies and strategies to push them forward.  This was the case when Nick was a year old and unable to sit up on his own.  His core was so weak due to low muscle tone.  I made the decision to try equine (horseback) therapy which helped him immensely.  This brings me to one more lesson I learned.  Look at finding the RIGHT therapies and services, instead of just adding in more.  Each child is individual and motivated in different ways.

Nick doing horseback therapy in 1995…..

Nick horseback therapy

Consider a variety of strategies, such as infant massage, sensory integration, motor play with proper positioning, and oral motor exercises that can accelerate growth.  Keep in mind what interests your child has, and use those tools to build into play and daily routines at home.  Nick was very motivated by music and enjoyed oral motor activities like blowing and popping bubbles.  His physical therapist would have him sit on a small ball while blowing, tracking and popping bubbles.  Nursery rhymes and signing were also incorporated while sitting on the ball, which acted as a dynamic surface to build core strength.  Siblings can be great with play to stimulate movement and arousal for your baby.

Nick with his brother Hank……

Nick and Hank babies

The challenges associated with low muscle tone and Down syndrome can be met with hard work, persistence, and finding the right support and therapies that will facilitate building muscle strength and endurance for your child.  Early intervention will help to build a solid foundation which allows your child to become their best self.  Nick’s come a long way since the days where he was propped up with bolsters and pillows.  He is a strong, funny, helpful, mischievous and happy young man. Next week, we will be on vacation in Vail to ring in #24.  No blog next Monday, but you can catch Nick on social media. Happy Birthday to you Big Guy!

Nick in Key West, over the Christmas holidays 🙂 ….

Nick Key West

That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa 🙂

Follow Nick on Social Media:

Facebook and Pinterest @Down Syndrome With A Slice of Autism

Instagram #nickdsautism

Twitter @tjunnerstall

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Down syndrome, Down Syndrome Awareness

Blog #196~Netflix Comedy Special “Disgraceful”

Posted on by tjunnerstall

Blog #196~ Netflix Comedy Special “Disgraceful”

The Netflix comedy special, “Disgraceful” by Tom Segura has recently sparked outrage in the Down syndrome community.  The comedian, known for pushing the boundaries, talked about how you can’t use the words, “that is retarded” anymore.  In this act, he takes it a step further by suggesting that it be replaced with the term, “extra 21st chromosome,” directly mocking people with Down syndrome.  The words used in this program are wrong, offensive and by definition hate speech.  I wouldn’t be doing my job as Nick’s mother if I didn’t advocate for my son, and other individuals having Down syndrome.

To view the full transcript of this piece along with how the Down syndrome community and leading support groups are responding click here:

https://themighty.com/2018/01/tom-segura-retarded-down-syndrome-netflix/?utm_source=search&utm_medium=site&utm_term=Tom%20Segura%20Netflix

Netflix is promoting this special, “Disgraceful” by claiming this comedian “gives voice to the sordid thoughts you never say out loud”.  So it appears that these “sordid thoughts” about people having Down syndrome are fair game.  We live in a country where there is freedom of speech, and certainly comedians push boundaries all the time.  But it is extremely hurtful and offensive to make a joke at the expense of people like my son, and other individuals who have Down syndrome.

Change.org has a petition that calls for Netflix to:

*Remove the anti-down syndrome rhetoric from the show.

*Take the anti-disability sketch out of the trailer for the show.

*Issue a public apology for perpetuating hate speech and stereotype to the Down syndrome community.

take it down netflix

To sign the Change.org petition click here:

https://www.change.org/p/netflix-take-it-down-netflix

If you have a Netflix account you can also give “comedian” Tom Segura a thumbs down.

Using the R-word and mocking individuals who have Down syndrome is NOT funny, in fact it’s disgraceful.  That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Down syndrome, Down Syndrome Awareness, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism, Government/Legal Matters Related to Special Needs, IEP (Indivdualized Education Plan)

Blog #195~ Being a Firestarter

Posted on by tjunnerstall

Blog #195~ Being a Firestarter

What is the difference between those bold enough to pursue their dreams and others who never get comfortable enough to ignite their lives? The doers are “Firestarters” and, because of them, the world is a much different, and often, better place.

Fire

Are you looking for a way to ignite your life and dreams?  Firestarters-How Innovators, Instigators and Initiators Can Inspire You To Ignite Your Own Life,  is a new book released last week; that will help you to do so. As I wrote in last week’s Blog #194, Firestarters are innovators, instigators and initiators that get things accomplished.  Recently I had the opportunity to interview one of the co-authors of this new and powerful book, Paul Eder along with a featured Firestarter, David Egan who is an advocate for special needs.  This week, I am sharing more on these interviews about being FIRESTARTERS!

Firestarters

David Egan is the first person with an intellectual disability to be awarded a Joseph P. Kennedy JR. Public Policy Fellowship, he made history by working on Capitol Hill with the Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee.  David Egan, born with Down syndrome, is a trailblazer for others who have intellectual disabilities.

David Egan-Advocate Photo

He believes in promoting the idea of people with disabilities having special talents.  David states that people with intellectual disabilities should be included in as many sectors of our society as possible, and being featured as a leader in this book makes made him proud.  The most important part of his advocacy is to demonstrate that people like himself are Valued, Able, and Ready to work.

David Egan Work Photo         David Egan swimming

“We are citizens that matter and we belong in our community.” -David Egan

David-Egan-Capitol-Hill-2011

“People with intellectual disabilities do not want pity; we want respect, inclusion, and the opportunity to reach our full potential like any other citizen.” -David Egan

Paul Eder is the co-author of Firestarters along with Raoul Davis JR. and Kathy Palokoff.  From early on, Paul Eder wanted the book to be inclusive.  He has a 6-year old son, Brady who has Down syndrome and believes his potential is limitless.  Paul says that a Firestarter is partially defined by the impact you have on others. His son, Brady has certainly impacted his life.  Paul hopes his son’s achievements go beyond and push the boundaries like David Egan.

I asked Paul how he plans to use the concept of Firestarters to help navigate his son through school and working with IEP team members? 

Paul said that, “The IEP (Individualized Education Plan),  generally taps into a number of the concepts we discuss in the Firestarters book, but the section on Accelerants is very relevant. Accelerants include: Mission-focused behavior, Cooperation, Constructive competition, sweat equity (working hard), and support seeking.”

Paul goes on to further state this about IEP’s:

“An IEP certainly focuses on the mission surrounding your child’s educational path. From a cooperation perspective, the IEP defies all the supporting partnerships that are necessary to propel his success.  All of the IEP goals are measurable, which gives it a competitive flair. We want the goals to be challenging but not impossible, and we want to be able to compare his progress against some standard of success (e.g., grade-level expectations). My son has a daily behavior log where his social and academic behaviors are tracked. From this sheet, we are able to tell whether he is putting in his full effort and devoting the sweat equity needed to learn. Support-seeking is an obvious one.”

“The IEP team is a support structure in itself.  As parents, we can’t be afraid to ask the questions needed of the team and push for the supports required to ensure his success.” -Paul Eder

I asked Paul how can someone support the Firestarters in their lives, especially those with potential but who may have special needs?

In the book we define 4 types of supporters based on the research we conducted:

1.Nurturers listen and help you follow through with your ideas.
2.Motivators get you moving. They are people like Tony Robbins who exude an energy that make you want to be a better person.
3.Illuminators are the teachers in your life who help you grow socially and intellectually.
4.Protectors are the people who defend you when others won’t.

A FIRESTARTER, seeks support to fan their flame, and finds ways to limit the influence of Extinguishers.

As we begin 2018, what do you want to accomplish?  Find the people who can support you and don’t allow the extinguishers to have power over your life.  We’ve all met FIRESTARTERS, and seen what they’ve accomplished.  They create, disrupt and start things.  The book FIRESTARTERS  interviewed successful entrepreneurs, CEO’s, organizational leaders, advocates and forward thinkers from a variety of professions to find out what makes them tick.  There are step by step guides to teach you how to join the ranks in whatever you want to accomplish.

For more information about FIRESTARTERS click here: https://goo.gl/4VmHKo

Thank you to Paul Eder and David Egan for sharing your inspiring stories of being FIRESTARTERS, who make the world a better place!  That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa 🙂 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Down syndrome, Down Syndrome Awareness, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism, Government/Legal Matters Related to Special Needs

Blog #194~ Firestarters

Posted on by tjunnerstall

Blog #194~ Firestarters

What is the difference between those bold enough to pursue their dreams and others who never get comfortable enough to ignite their lives? The doers are “Firestarters” and, because of them, the world is a much different, and often, better place.

Recently, one of the co-authors of a new and powerfully motivating book, Paul Eder reached out to me to do an exclusive interview about Firestarters- How Innovators, Instigators and Initiators Can Inspire You To Ignite Your Life.

Firestarters

There is a big difference between people who MAKE things happen and those who only THINK about making an impact.  So many people have dreams, yet few are willing to take action.  The authors of Firestarters set out to find the “secret sauce” providing pragmatic advice for readers to ignite the qualities from successful entrepreneurs, CEO’s, organizational leaders, advocates and forward thinkers from a variety of professions.  Co-Authors Raoul Davis JR., Kathy Palokoff and Paul Eder did extensive research interviewing and studying hundreds of people who have all been a catalyst for change.

In my interview with co-author Paul Eder, he states that a Firestarter is someone who makes an impact, someone who presses forward in the face of challenges that would cause others to run the other way.

There are 3 types of Firestarters in the book:

*Innovators create things.

*Instigators disrupt things.

*Initiators start things.

All three types are bonded together by the great impact they have on other people and the world by creating, disrupting and starting things.  So, how do you know if you’re an Innovator, Instigator, or an Initiator?  The book provides a quiz that you can take, but the short answer is to investigate both what motivates you and how you interact with others.

*Do you like to explore new ideas for the sake of exploring them? Do you come up with your own pet theories of how the world works? You may be an Innovator.

*Do others always call you out for debating too much? Do you strive to be different and do things in a way no one has done? You may an Instigator.

*Are you constantly moving? Do you have the energy of 10 thoroughbreds and need to sleep only 4 hours a night to be fully effective? You may be an Initiator.

Firestarters aren’t constrained to one type. Different situations may require you to act more like an Innovator. Others require you to be an Initiator and just get things done. Firestarters are amazing in that they are flexible to tap into all three types as needed – when most people would be more likely to stick to their default type, according to Paul.

From early on, Paul Eder wanted the book to be inclusive. He has a 6-year old son, Brady who has Down syndrome and believes his potential is limitless.  The Firestarters concept  applies to CEOs of mega corporations as well as PTA moms. There are interviews John Sculley, a former CEO of Apple and present his profile at a similar level of prominence of David Egan, who has Down syndrome and is a self-advocate who has single-handedly re-defined the perceived capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities.

David Egan is the first person with an intellectual disability to be awarded a Joseph P. Kennedy JR. Public Policy Fellowship, he made history by working on Capitol Hill with the Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee.

David-Egan-Capitol-Hill-2011

In my interview with David Egan, he showed great passion about being an advocate with an ongoing commitment that never ends. His dream is to help people with intellectual disabilities.  All of his jobs and activities have been very important. However, being  selected as the first person with intellectual disabilities to serve as a JP Kennedy JR. Public Policy fellow was an honor and a breakthrough.  Previous fellows were doctors, professors, parents, educators or with physical disabilities but David made history and is proud to follow in the vision of Eunice Shriver, the founder of Special Olympics. She believed that we belong and we have the same rights as any other citizen.

Paul Eder feels his 6-year old son Brady, who has Down syndrome will follow the path forged by David Egan, in not allowing a label to define his future. A diagnosis is not a destiny.  Down syndrome isn’t a determinant of his son’s potential.  This is a powerful message on never setting limits!  This message has resonated with me for the past 23 years in raising my son, Nick- who has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism.

Next week, I will share more of my interviews with Paul and David with their great insights on being a Firestarter.  Here is a review of this book from Forbes magazine: https://goo.gl/eznjQx  If you are looking for a way to set your goals in motion and take action for 2018, I highly suggest reading Firestarters!  

This book will be released tomorrow, January 9th, click here to learn more: 

https://goo.gl/4VmHKo

Fire

Is this the year you are going to MAKE things happen, or just think about it?  What things or people threaten to extinguish your fire?  Set your goals and be a Firestarter, that’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa