National DS Awareness Month

October is National Down syndrome awareness month. I certainly do not have a wealth of knowledge to spread on the topic, but I am learning so that I can be the best possible mommy for Sasha. I would like to share some of what I have learned:

1. Down syndrome is named after the Dr. who discovered it (Dr. Down).

"I think it's time for everyone to start thinking "UP" instead of "Down." I wish the name of the doctor who discovered Down syndrome was Dr. Up instead of Dr. Down. Then maybe people would start with a better attitude toward us than they do now. Maybe they would understand what we are all about and what we are capable of doing." 

-Ann M. Forts (member of the Board of Directors of the National Down Syndrome Congress, Editor-in-Chief of Down Syndrome Headline News, motivational speaker, "Self Empowerment Award" winner, and an individual living with Down syndrome)

2. People with Down syndrome have a third copy of the 21st chromosome, which is why you will hear the term Down syndrome interchanged with Trisomy-21 at times. These children are "chromosomally enhanced"!

3. Children with Down syndrome can be just as healthy as other children, however, there seems to be some connection between the extra chromosome and certain health problems. Some of these include: congenital heart defects, gastrointestinal problems, respiratory problems (due to abnormal immune systems), low muscle tone, poor vision, poor hearing, and thyroid problems. This is a partial list, but it is very important to remember that not all children with DS will have all or even any of these issues. 

*For those who are wondering, Sasha has a large scar on his chest indicating he HAS had open heart surgery. Breaks my heart knowing what he went through and I wasn't there for him, but I'm so thankful he did have that surgery so he could be a part of our family.

4. Children with Down syndrome are all unique in their abilities, personalities, and gifts...just like every other child. Please do NOT generalize or stereotype a child based on what you have heard about "Down syndrome children". 

"He has developed exactly like a normal child. It's just that his pace is slower. He's just like any child-he disobeys like another child, and he wants all the things that other little children want"

-Anonoymous parent of a child with DS

I encourage all of you to take advantage of October. Feel the chill in the air and snuggle up with some hot cider and a good book about down syndrome :) (I am reading, Babies with Down Syndrome: A New Parents' Guide Edited by Karen Stray-Gundersen - slightly outdated, but what our library had :)