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Casey, a child with DownSyndrome

She Man And Nadi George

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What is Down Syndrome?

Also called Trisomy 21 Extra genetic material causes a delay in the way a child

develops physically and mentally. First described in 1887 by John Langdon Down. 1959 - extra chromosome identified as the cause.

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Levels of Down Syndrome

Three Levels: Mild, Moderate and Severe.Diagnosis does not depend on severity, but rather combination.

Most cases fall within the mild or moderate category.

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Challenges Faced by Children withDown Syndrome

Motor Skill Development Some Physical Signs: - Flat appearing face

- Small head - Flat bridge of the nose - Small mouth - Small, outwardly rotated eyes - Shorter than normal height Delayed Brain Development:

- Mild-to-moderate - Difficulties linking memories to time

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Cont'd- Challenges Faced by Children with

Down Syndrome

Speech and Communication- difficulty being understood by others.

Health Problems Social Challenges Over-dependence on caregivers

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Cures and Treatments of Down Syndrome

No hope for a cure

Prevention is also not possible

Treatments are aimed at related complications, such as:o heart diseaseo thyroid diseaseo vision problemso hearing problemso stomach and bowel problems

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Therapies for Children withDown Syndrome

Aimed at improving physical and cognitive development

Early intervention programs: therapies and exercises that focus on

motor skills and speech

Types of therapy:o Physicalo Occupationalo Speech

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What about the experience of Casey's Parents?

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Grieving and Adjustment period

Seeking out supports

Advocating for their child (becoming

experts)

Taking time to just be a family

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11/14A Parent's First Contact for Support

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Services Offered by MDSS: Visiting Parents Program

(new parents meeting with volunteer parents)

Labour of Love: New Parent Packages Family Get-togethers (eg. Goldeyes Games)

(informal way for parents to meet other parents)

Resource Library (available to anyone)

Information Nights on various topics

Annual See Me Beautiful Conference

- for parents & educators

School Talks

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Recap

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Each child has uniquecharacteristics and should

be treated as an individual.

A child is a child first.