We have two boys born with Down syndrome in our family. We have 4 boys all together. My mother died from breast cancer, September 5, 1994.
Down syndrome, what is it? Well, is the replication of an extra 21st chromosome throughout an individuals genetic make-up. Typically, each person only has 2 copies of their 21st chromosome. Down syndrome, or Trisomy 21, results in 3 copies of that 21st chromosome.
This changes the growth of the individual with T21. This changes the brain development of those born with T21. This extra copy also changes how a person born with T21 develops physically as well. Both of my boys receive therapies to help them achieve to the best of their ability. We do speech, occupational therapy and physical therapy each week. My boys go to preschool too. One child is in an exclusively special education centered classroom. The other boy is in a split setting, spending three days in special ed and two days in a general education classroom. Both boys are thriving in settings that best suit their individual needs.
What works for my family, might not work for others and vice versa. For us, Down syndrome or T21 is just a flittering in the background of our day. Our boys are our boys and that's that. Both boys are delayed, Jadon more so than Joseph because Jadon spent his first 3 years in an orphanage. Delays are part of the package when it comes to T21. A slower pace in life has come too, and gratefully accepted by our family as well.
So, that's us, our family, our boys and Down syndrome in a very small nutshell! I am going to try and post each day in October for Down syndrome Awareness. We shall see how well that goes :)
love,
"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)
1 comment:
Love this family pic!
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