Tag: Low muscle tone and Down syndrome

Posted in Down syndrome, Down Syndrome Awareness, Parenting Special Needs

Blog #202~ Down syndrome, A New Beginning

Posted on by tjunnerstall

Blog #202~ Down syndrome, A New Beginning

So this just happened, I flew back to Texas over the weekend to be with my niece, who is also my God-daughter.  Courtney recently gave birth to twin boys.  Shortly after their birth last December, she called me with the news that one of the babies might have Down syndrome. The first thing I felt was excitement inside, knowing that God has many blessings coming her way.  I told Courtney that everything was going to be okay, and that I’d be there for her every step of the way.  I know this to be a fact, because I have been blessed for the past 24 years with my son, Nick.

My niece didn’t know that one of her twins would have Down syndrome until after she gave birth.  Just as I did, the initial shock can take your breath away and a myriad of emotions come at you in waves.  However, like me she has rolled up her sleeves and embraced this diagnosis fully.  I couldn’t be more proud of her.

The twins Gannon and Greyson 🙂

Gannon and Greyson

Courtney jumped right in becoming an advocate for her son, Gannon.  Last month, she gave a presentation to her older son’s elementary school class on World Down Syndrome Day……

Gannon WDSD

For World Down Syndrome Day, Courtney had special shirts made for her immediate and extended family, as well as friends…….

Courtney and family

Here’s my son, Nick wearing his shirt to support #gannonsjourney and World Down Syndrome Day….

Nick Down right perfect

There is a lot of love felt in their home, along with a load of testosterone, with four boys under one roof.  Her two little dogs and cat lay on the couches close by, seemingly like protectors providing comfort as we sat and visited.

Gannon and me

It was a great weekend holding, feeding and loving on the twins, along with a few games of Battleship, Candyland, Toilet Trouble and snap chat photos with the older boys.  In between all of this, we had a chance to talk about our experiences together.  During the course of these conversations, I flashed back 24 years ago when I gave birth to Nick.  I told Courtney and her husband Patrick, how the pediatrician pointed out the initial markers that might indicate my son could have Down syndrome.  My doctor gently showed me the brushfield spots in my babies eyes, the larger gap space between the first two toes, and the feeling of low muscle tone in his body.  Courtney gasped when I mentioned my pediatricians name, she thought I was joking.  It turns out that they have the same pediatrician as I did!  Not only that, her husband (who also lived in this same area outside Houston) had Dr. K as his pediatrician growing up.  Courtney started to cry as we found the similarities in our lives being so serendipitous.  They were happy tears.

Who would ever predict that this little niece and God-daughter of mine would follow such a similar path?  At the moment this photo was taken, 28 years ago I was just a doting aunt to her…..

Courtney and me

Here we are 29 years later…..

Courtney Gannon and me

In December, after the twins were born, her pediatrician pointed out similar markers of Gannon possibly having Down syndrome.  I told Courtney over the phone, that she had this.  She was already ahead of the game, with her experience having Nick as her cousin.

Courtney and Nick, 1994…..

courtney and nick

Courtney and Nick, 2010………

photo (116)

I handed my niece this journal, on Saturday.  It felt as though I was passing the baton over, as she starts her own journey…..

Journal

The journey will be filled with highs and lows as she navigates her son having Down syndrome.  As the pen moves across each page, her eyes may be filled with tears during the struggles as he grows.  But there will also be many smiles when he triumphs the milestones of crawling, sitting up, walking, feeding and so much more.  Each benchmark will take longer to reach and require much more work.   But that is what makes these victories even sweeter.  My niece is just beginning this new path, and I both smile and take a deep breath inside, knowing what lies ahead.  My son has changed my life forever and filled me with God’s grace.  Like his cousin Nick, Gannon will touch many lives and teach lessons of gratitude in the process.

That’s what is in my noggin this week. 🙂 

~Teresa

Follow Nick:

Facebook and Pinterest @Down Syndrome With A Slice Of Autism

Instagram #nickdsautism

Twitter @tjunnerstall

Follow Gannon #gannonsjourney

 

 

 

 

 

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 #188~Down syndrome Awareness Month-5 Takeaways

Posted on by tjunnerstall

Blog #188~Down syndrome Awareness Month-5 Takeaways

DSAwarenessMagnet

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…..

nick-low-tone-high-chair

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……..

Diveheart 2013 336     Nick cleaning GiGi's

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…..

Chris Burke quote

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:

Facebook and Pinterest @Down Syndrome With A Slice Of Autism

Instagram #nickdsautism

Twitter @tjunnerstall

 

Posted in Autism, Down syndrome, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism, Parenting Special Needs

Blog #166~ Lessons Learned on a Ski Slope

Posted on by tjunnerstall

vail

Blog #166~ Lessons Learned on a Ski Slope

After a 27 year hiatus, I recently went on a ski trip to Vail, Colorado.  My older son, Hank had never skied before so we opted to take a lesson together.  Our instructor Brad, offered up many useful tips to help us navigate the slopes. Many of the things that Brad pointed out, can apply to raising a child with special needs.  My younger son, Nick is 22, and has Down syndrome and autism.  The daily challenges can weigh a parent down both physically and mentally.  That’s were the lessons I learned on a ski slope come in.

Lessons Learned on a Ski Slope…….

*If you point your ski’s too far uphill you are going to roll down…..

Over the years I’ve set goals for my son, Nick.  Many of these were aimed too high.  As a result, my expectations were not realistic, and Nick fell further back than I anticipated.  For example, during his elementary years Nick had a handwriting goal.  I was determined that he would be able to write his name and pushed hard for several year to keep it in his IEP.  This goal was my dream, but not Nick’s reality.  A pen or marker in Nick’s hands equals scribbling all over his skin and clothes.  I learned that you have to adjust your child’s goals to what is reasonable and attainable for them, and not for yourself.

*Don’t Fred Flintstone your feet…..

When you ski it’s important to shift the weight on your feet and apply the pressure at different points in order to make the turns.  If you dig in and “Fred Flintstone” your feet, the skiing becomes rigid and doesn’t glide naturally.  There has to be room for some give and take, when working with a child with special needs. It’s unfair to put pressure on your child to do everything you want, in a given day.  Sometimes you have to let that foot up and allow them to have room to understand, process, and do things in their own time. Take your foot off the brakes, otherwise, things will break down for your child.

fred-flintstone-feet

*Learn how to stop correctly…….

The day before our ski lesson, my son Hank went out with his Dad, Al, to try out skiing.  He came home very tired, cranky and discouraged due to going to fast, falling, and struggling to get back up.  During the ski lesson, he learned how to maneuver his body, and the proper ways to stop.  Afterwards, Hank had much more confidence and felt success.  If you push your child with special needs to do too much, they become frustrated as Hank did. This can lead to a risk of sensory  overload and potential meltdowns.  Recognize those signs of distress, and stop the activity before your child reaches a boiling point.

Hank and I with our ski instructor, Brad…..

vail-with-brad

*Relax and take in the scenery….

On the ski lift, our instructor Brad, encouraged me to put my ski’s up on the foot rest and relax.  He could sense that I was nervous about leaving the comfort of the bunny slope.  He reminded me to breathe, look around, and take in the beautiful scenery.  I think the same can be true in life with a child who has special needs.  The seamless schedule of doctor and therapy appointments, along with the pressure of working with them at home can get to be too much.   Nick had very low muscle tone, which is a trait of having Down syndrome.  I was constantly providing stimulating activities and exercises to get him stronger so he could roll over, crawl, sit up and walk.  Beyond gross motor skills, there was work to be done with feeding, speech and fine motor skills. The guilt of not feeling like you are doing enough for your child can burden a parent even more.  At some point, you have to just relax and not beat yourself up.  Take a breath and enjoy the beauty of your child for who they are.

My son, Nick……

nick-senior-alarm-pic

Skiing like many other sports offer lessons for us to learn in our lives.  That day on the slopes,  I was reminded about the importance of being flexible in what I expect from my son with Down syndrome and autism.  On the eve of his 23rd birthday, I reflect back on how far Nick has come.  I going to take a moment and breathe.  Like the backdrop of the blue sky against the snow covered Rocky Mountains,  I just want to take that in.  🙂 

That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa

happy-birthday-boys

Wishing both Nick and his Dad, Al a very Happy Birthday this week ……

al-and-nick-vail

Follow Nick on Instagram @nickdsautism, on Facebook and Pinterest @Down syndrome with a Slice of Autism and Twitter #tjunnerstall

 

 

 

Posted in Autism, Down syndrome, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism, IEP (Indivdualized Education Plan), Physical Therapy and Special Needs, Speech and Occupational Therapy

Blog #152~Lessons From Olympian Simone Biles

Posted on by tjunnerstall

Blog #152~Lessons From Olympian Simone Biles

After winning individual gold in the women’s gymnastics all-around on Thursday, Simone Bile’s, in an interview, made a declaration. “I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps,” she said. “I’m the first Simone Biles.”

Simone Biles

Before going to teach spinning class last week, I was rushing around the house getting ready.  Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of the Good Morning America interview featuring gold medalist, Simone Biles at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics.  It struck me that this pint-sized, power house had 4 training tips that packed a lot of punch. I grabbed my coffee, pen and pad to jot down a few bullet points.

Having a child with special needs presents many obstacles in life.  I’ve had my share of them with my son Nick, for the past 22 years.  Nick has Down syndrome and autism.  The low muscle tone (a trait of having Down syndrome) delayed him from reaching gross motor milestones until much later than most babies.  He didn’t sit up until a year old, and he didn’t walk until he was 3 ½ years old.  Nick had to work a lot harder to hit those targets with years of physical therapy.  We’ve also spent 22 years going to speech and occupational therapy to help feeding, communication along with fine motor, sensory issues.

It has been quite a journey, which brings me back to those bullet points I scribbled down.  In the Good Morning America interview, Simone offered up some advice on her training regimen.  They are 4 simple lessons, and my take on they apply to raising a child with special needs:

  1. Enjoy the Ride

The journey isn’t always going to be easy.  It’s going to take a lot of hard work and shedding tears.  And that’s to be expected.  But, find a way to embrace the journey.  Have some fun as you go, and surround yourself with people who make you laugh.

  1. Never Give Up

There will be days, weeks and months where you see no progress.  Sometimes mistakes will be made.  That’s when you pick yourself up and trust that you can do it no matter what.

  1. Trust Your Squad

The fierce five huddled, cheered each other on, and believed in other.  When you have a child with special needs, you have to get a good squad together to help push them to succeed.  This includes the IEP team along with outside therapists.  Huddle in from time to time, and always keep the lines of communication open.  Make sure all the goals and dreams for your child are in sync.  Parents should have their own squad of friends and support groups you feel comfortable with.  Your squad understands the insurmountable pressure faced when raising a child with special needs.

Fab 5 Rio

4. Treat Yourself

After a competition, Simone (whether she wins or not) enjoys pepperoni pizza.  Parents of special needs kids spend a lot more time and energy helping their child reach goals.  It is beyond exhausting. Get a respite worker to watch your child.  Find the things that you enjoy and indulge.  Go out to lunch with girlfriends, get a manicure, go workout, take a trip to Target (alone), enjoy a nap, have a glass of wine.  Treat yourself, you deserve it.

That’s great advice from the 19-year-old Olympian champion.   Life will always have it ups and downs, twists and turns.  But if you can find a way to embrace the journey, you can hit the top of that podium and be the champion of your own life and your child’s.

Nick wins the gold for the softball throw at the State Special Olympics~2003

Nick Special Olympics

 

That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa

Follow Nick:

Facebook @Down Syndrome With A Slice Of Autism

instagram-logo#nickdsautism

pintrest@Down Syndrome With A Slice Of Autism

twitter logo@tjunnerstall

 

Posted in Autism, Down syndrome, Education and Special Needs, IEP (Indivdualized Education Plan)

Blog #135~Final Week in School

Posted on by tjunnerstall

Blog #135~Final Week in School

This is Nick’s last week to be in school.  His 22nd birthday is almost here.  Then, the little yellow bus stops coming to the door.  My son Nick, has Down syndrome and autism.  He is aging out of the school system and will enter the adult world.  For the past few months we have been working with his current school and the adult day program he will be attending.  Nick has been at the new program part time for the past few weeks and the transition is going well. All the pieces seem to be in place.

It’s been an amazing journey watching Nick grow and learn.  The times have been joyous and triumphant, while often frustrating and heartbreaking.  Today I want to pause and give credit to all of the teachers, case managers, aides, therapists, bus drivers and school district personnel and respite workers that have helped along the way.

Nick started at the Klein School District (in Texas) at just 8 weeks old.  This early intervention program had a wonderful staff and therapists.  They worked to strengthen his low muscle tone (a trait of having Down syndrome).  When Nick was nearly 3 years old and not walking yet I said to his physical therapist, “I don’t think Nick is ever going to walk”.  To which she replied, “I have never met a child with Down syndrome who hasn’t walked yet”.  And you know what she was right.  Nick did eventually walk at age 3 1/2! 🙂

After age 3, Nick attended the early childhood program at the Arbor School in Houston.  He made so many gains with the combined co-treatment therapies offered by Texas Children’s Hospital.  Not only did he start to walk, he learned how to chew solid food without choking.

We moved outside the San Francisco Bay area when Nick was 4 years old.  I can’t begin to thank the Down syndrome Connection support group along with his therapists, Kendra his Kacy at Learning on the Move.  I learned ways to incorporate a sensory diet for Nick, and how to become an advocate for my son.

scan0003

In 2001, we moved outside the Chicago area.  During his elementary years Nick was in a full inclusion classroom.  This worked because of the excellent help provided by his support teacher, along with dedicated teachers, aides and therapists.  It was during this time that Nick’s academic goals shifted to more functional goals in his IEP.  While this was heartbreaking, I remember gaining strength in what his support teacher said.  At the beginning of his IEP meeting in 4th grade Sylvia said,  “Nick has a lot of strengths and we need to focus on those”.

scan0006

Nick also began to get private speech and OT at Suburban Pediatric Therapies.  He has learned so much and developed a great relationship with all the staff at this clinic. 🙂

Nick loves to work with Brian…..

Brian and Nick

The middle school years were rough for Nick.  Having the diagnosis of autism along with Down syndrome was a mixed cocktail with a bad taste of frustration (due to lack of speech). This lead to meltdowns and destructive behaviors.  The shift led back to a self-contained classroom.  I don’t think we could have survived this time without the support of NADS (National Down Syndrome Association) and Little Friends Center for Autism.  I learned how to manage the autism component with their help.  Getting support is crucial in a crisis situation as this was.  I also give a lot of credit to his support teacher Jess (aka “The Nick Whisperer”).  She believed in his capabilities, understood him and made the last years of middle school a success.

High school was a self-contained setting.  It was during this time I saw Nick mature and handle his behaviors much better.  He took pride in his vocational jobs both in school and out in the community.  I appreciate all the staff that worked with him and helped him grow during that time.

Working at Re-Store Habitat for Humanity with Ms. R….

Nick packaging door knobs_Habitat for Humanity (6)

Working at Tabor Hills Residential Community…..

Nick vacumming_Tabor Hills (3)

Nick Senior Portrait….

scan0016

After Nick graduated from high school he attended a post-secondary transition program (STEPS) where he continued to hone his vocational skills, had work jobs and community trips.  He has enjoyed this program immensely!  A big thank you for the staff at STEPS for helping Nick navigate his jobs, teaching him new skills, working to make his AAC talker device be a success and assisting with the transition to the adult day program he will start full time next week.

Nick on a delivery run job…..

Nick delivery

This journey with Nick has been a wonderful and wild ride, 34 fire alarm pulls and all!   I am grateful to all who have worked with Nick and touched our lives.  Truly, you all have been angels lighting the path along Nick’s way.  That’s what is in my noggin this week. 🙂

~Teresa

Follow Nick:

instagram-logo

@ #nickdsautism

Facebook

@Down Syndrome With A Slice of Autism

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Down syndrome, Health Issues and Special Needs Child, Physical Therapy and Special Needs, Speech and Occupational Therapy

Blog #127~So, Your Baby has Down syndrome

Posted on by tjunnerstall

Blog #127~So, Your Baby has Down syndrome        

In October everything turns pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But did you know it’s also Down Syndrome Awareness Month?

Twenty-one years ago I gave birth to my son Nick. The doctor detected several markers that he might have Down syndrome.  The next day, a hospital social worker handed me two brochures about Down syndrome. That is was what I had to work off of.

Here are the facts about Down syndrome courtesy of The National Down Syndrome Society, www.ndss.org:

  • Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.
  • There are three types of Down syndrome: trisomy 21 (nondisjunction) accounts for 95 percent of cases, translocation accounts for about 4 percent and mosaicism accounts for about 1 percent.
  • Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome.
  • There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.
  • Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels.
  • The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80 percent of children with Down syndrome are born to women younger than 35.
  • People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer’s disease, childhood leukemia and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.
  • A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all.
  • Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades — from 25 years old in 1983 to 60 years old today.
  • People with Down syndrome attend school, work and participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.
  • All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.
  • Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

I think back on that 33-year-old mom who was unsure of her future. What advice would I give her today?

Down syndrome journey

First, I would say that everything is going to be OK. The path will be different and move slower. But your child will work through the low muscle tone with the help of early intervention programs. The benchmarks like sitting up, crawling, walking and eating solid food will take longer to reach. Try to be patient and rest assured that your child will hit them.

Nick, age one….

scan0009

The next thing I would tell her is that there will be angels that light a path along the way. Embrace them and incorporate what you learn at home. The speech therapists will teach him how to blow bubbles, work on lip closure, feeding and to use sign language along with songs to communicate. The occupational and physical therapists will guide him in fine and gross motor skills. The teachers will hold the lantern and illuminate his mind. The social support groups will be your shoulders to lean on.

scan0016

Finally, I would share this message. Your baby was born with Down syndrome, but they are a person first. People with Down syndrome experience the same emotions that you and I do. Your life will change for the better as you savor the sweet victories. They will steal your heart and touch others in ways you can’t imagine. Your child will bring a unique perspective of seeing the best of the human spirit.

Nick in Sox hat

This is my advice to the young mother who just gave birth to a beautiful baby, who just happens to have Down syndrome. That’s what is in my noggin this week. 🙂

~Teresa

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

My Guest Blog~So Your Baby Has Down Syndrome

Posted on by tjunnerstall

My Guest Blog~ So Your Baby Has Down Syndrome

Recently I was contacted by an associate editor at Social Work License Map, a guide to social work licensure that clarifies the steps needed to become a social worker in any state.  This social work site,  also focuses on specific social work advocacy. I am very excited to share that my website, “Down Syndrome With A Slice Of Autism” will be included here.  In addition, I did a guest blog spot which posted live last week.  The guest blog is entitled, “So Your Baby Has Down Syndrome.”  Just click below to view:

http://socialworklicensemap.com/guest-blog-so-your-baby-has-down-syndrome/

October is  Down syndrome Awareness Month and there are so many good stories in the news.  I will continue to post these on the Facebook page for you to enjoy.  Thank you for reading and sharing Nick’s world.  That’s what is in my noggin this week!

~Teresa 🙂

DSAwarenessMagnet

 

 

 

Posted in Autism, Down syndrome, Fun Side of Nick

Blog #106~ Pets and Children with Special Needs

Posted on by tjunnerstall

Blog #106~ Pets and Children with Special Needs

Having a pet in the home can be beneficial for a child with special needs. Pets can boost mental and physical health, alleviate stress, be soothing and reduce anxiety. For a child with special needs, a pet provides unconditional love and affection along with helping a child become more social. In addition, having a pet in the home can teach responsibility and empathy. Feeding and caring for a pet allows a child to shift the focus to a pet’s needs. 

I witnessed this first hand with Nick. My 20 year old son has Down syndrome and autism.  His speech is limited. He uses a  picture book to communicate his wants, needs and feelings. On several occasions he has handed me these two icons:

This is our cat Miss Mellie of 17 years that passed away…..

Mellie Sad Icons

For as long as I can remember, there has been a tabby cat in my life.

Me with Tiger back in the late 70’s……

Tiger and T

When Nick was first born, we took him to get screened for the early intervention program. One of the questions they asked was, “What other family members were there?” They were pleased to hear this included an older brother and a cat. Both of them would help Nick become alert and engaged in the world. His brother could shake toys to get him to look up. A cat with a bell on his collar would also get Nick’s attention. Each time he would look up it would strengthen his neck and trunk. This in turn, helped to fight the low muscle tone associated with having Down syndrome.

Nick, Hank and Woody our cat….. (You can see Nick’s low muscle tone as he is propped up against his brother)

Woody and the boys

Woody was my faithful friend since college and lived to be 17.  Several months later, we adopted Miss Mellie. You can read all about Nick and Miss Mellie’s relationship in the archives under the category, “The Fun Side of Nick”.

Nick thought she made a great task strip for his PECS icons…..

photo (117)

Now,  we are in a new chapter having recently adopted a new kitten from the shelter.  For more information click@ https://nickspecialneeds.wordpress.com/2014/09/29/blog-105-furry…needs-families   She has been here for a few weeks and is settling in well.

We decided to name her Kibbie……

Kibbie

Kibbie is a 5 month old tabby.  At first she was jumpy when Nick made his loud noises. But like the rest of us, those stimming sounds and yells are becoming white noise to Kibbie as well. (Well for the most part) 🙂  I am working on getting Nick to dangle the wands and throw cat toys for her to fetch.  He is also serving her food dish each evening.  My heart swells when Nick plants kisses on her head.  I posted a video last Friday on the Facebook Page (Down Syndrome With A Slice Of Autism).  There is also a video of the kitten playing fetch posted the week before.

It looks like the two of them are getting along nicely……… (yes we like taking sleeping photos in my family)

Kibbie and Nick

According to Brain Balance Centers, (http://www.brainbalancecenters.com), “The right family-friendly pet may be just what your child needs to better cope with daily stressors and other overwhelming sources of stimulation. Owning a pet may help ease these daily anxieties and help to better facilitate socialization and understanding. It may also benefit a child who struggles with sensory, social or behavioral issues.”  I look forward to sharing the new adventures of Nick and Kibbie with you.  Stay tuned for this and most likely a third installment of “Stuff On My Cat”.  Thank you for reading and sharing Nick’s world (and humoring me when I write about cats).  That’s what is in my noggin this week. 🙂

 

~Teresa

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

Blog #100~20 Tidbits about Nick

Posted on by tjunnerstall

Blog #100~ 20 Tidbits about Nick

To celebrate the 100 milestone of this blog “Down Syndrome with a Slice of Autism,” I made a list of 20 things about my son Nick.

Nick 20 years ago, what a little kewpie doll…..

Nick baby

1. Nick was born the day after his Dad’s birthday.

2. Nick was in NICU and on oxygen for one week due to an AV valve in his heart not closing.  Fortunately, this closed up within a week.  He was released from the hospital on Valentine’s Day which was also Ash Wednesday.

Aqua heart

3. Nick started early intervention with speech, occupational and physical therapy at 8 weeks old. They taught him sign language. He worked on a stability ball to build core strength long before it became trendy.

4. Nick was the youngest child to start horseback riding therapy in the early intervention program at age one.

5. We use to prop up pillows on the sides of his high chair to keep him from flopping over to the side, until his core became stronger.

Nick high chair

6. Due to his low muscle tone (a trait of Down syndrome) he didn’t walk or eat solid foods until he was 3 ½ years old.  We did a co-treatment with extensive OT and speech therapy with a feeding specialist using the Debra Beckman feeding technique

7. Nick doesn’t like yogurt or applesauce because I’d mix this awful smelling and tasting Nutrivene Vitamin Supplement into them.

8. To get Nick to pull up to stand, his brother would bounce ping pong balls on the coffee table to catch his attention. I also hung several music toys over the fireplace so he had to pull up to his feet to hear the music. (Hmmmm, maybe that’s why he’s obsessed with pushing buttons.) 🙂

9. Nick has been to the top of the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral.

Nick Eiffel Tower

10. He has been overseas three times including London, France and Spain.

11. Nick can replicate exact sneezes, high and low pitch, big and small ones.

12. He is so flexible that he can sleep with his legs crossed and folded all the way forward.

13. Nick’s a thrill seeker and will sign “more” as soon as a roller coaster ride is over.

14. He hates to wear hat and gloves no matter how cold it is.

Nick sled

Unless he’s indoors :)……….

Nick Winter Ninja

15. Nick’s favorite actor is Eddie Murphy, in the movies The Nutty Professor, Doctor Doolittle, and Norbit.

16. He doesn’t like any fruit at all (except raspberries, that is giving and getting them). He does LOVE salads.

raspberry

17. He won a gold medal in the softball throw event at the Illinois State Special Olympics.

Nick Special Olympics

18. Nick was evaluated for autism at age 5, but didn’t get a formal diagnosis until he was 11 years old.

19. Nick has a thing for dolphins and beluga whales.

Nick Kiss

20. Before the 30 fire alarm pulls, Nick would grab car remote keys and set the alarms off.

Hope you enjoyed the 20 snippets about Nick.  Thank you so much for reading and sharing Nick’s world for the last 100 blogs.   That’s what is in my noggin this week. 🙂

~Teresa

20 Year Old Nick…..

photo (120)

Follow Nick:

Facebook and Pinterest @Down Syndrome With A Slice Of Autism

Instagram #nickdsautism

Twitter @tjunnerstall