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There
is nothing quite like a baby…there's a lurch in
the heart when we touch the beginning of a life in the
small person of an infant. For some parents, the lurch
is made more poignant, even painful, by the fact of their
baby's diagnosis of Down syndrome.
Recently, I've had the great pleasure of holding a number
of soft, beautiful babies who have Down syndrome. Their
parents want to find out what it all means, what they
can do, what to think about the future. The first professionals
to talk to the parents of babies with Down syndrome tend
to discuss the differences parents may see, difficulties
babies will encounter. Armed with information about what
milestones their child may not reach, what problems she
may have, what services they should obtain to avoid potential
problems, new parents want to help their babies as soon
as possible. So they come to me (and to numerous others)
to get this help…to find therapy, activities, and
solutions to problems that may or may not exist.
We just don't know, at an early age, in exactly which
ways Down syndrome may affect a child. She may be really
good at cognitive activities, but have significant delays
in movement… thereby falling behind her peers in
playground and paper-and-pencil activities. He may be
fairly good at gross motor, excelling in sports. Ocular
control may be an area of need, or may be perfect. Language
may be good, or may need lots of work. However, one thing
we know for certain… babies don't deal with these
things no matter what their chromosomes look like. They
lie down and expect to be carried, cuddled, talked to,
fed and generally catered to. They learn they are lovable,
cute, and the center of the universe. They begin to know
who their family members are, and who is the soft touch
in the house in the middle of the night.
If these adorable creatures have Down syndrome they are
at risk for certain physical and cognitive delays. It
behooves parents to keep an eye open for problems that
could arise. It's important that they know something about
their child's diagnosis so that they can be alert and
helpful. But my belief is that the most important things
that parents of babies with Down syndrome can do are exactly
those things that all parents do. You know: they cuddle,
feed, sing and love. Not the kind of things you need a
Developmental Therapist for… or any other therapist,
for that matter.
I want to be clear. Young children with Down syndrome
often show delays that need to be remedied so that these
kids can be happy with themselves and do their very best.
Very young babies with Down syndrome have specific concerns
about early development. And doubtless, parents will find
themselves driving this child about for ear infections,
speech therapy, developmental evaluations, etc. But the
main advice I have for parents of new babies with Down
syndrome boils down to this:
You have a beautiful new baby.
There will be some areas that need work, but what you
have right now
IS PRECIOUS AND PERFECTLY RIGHT.
Kate Sefton, Master Developmental Therapist |
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