A look at Down Syndrome

Thursday, 31 March 2011 15:55

A look at Down Syndrome

Written by Scott LaMar, Director of Radio Smart Talk

Radio Smart Talk for Friday, April 1:

More than 400 thousand Americans live with Down syndrome. It's a genetic condition, in which extra material – an additional copy of the 21st chromosome – causes delays in a child's physical and mental development. People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for a variety of medical conditions, but thanks to strides in research and treatment, the life expectancy for someone with Down syndrome has risen substantially in the last 30 years.

We'll learn more about Down syndrome research and treatment, and what it's like to live with it, when we talk with Cori Guillaume, co-founder of the Central PA Down Syndrome Awareness Group, and Dr. Roger Ladda from Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital.

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comments

# Ann Marie 2011-04-01 10:05

As a follow-up to my comment on the radio, I want to place in writing the website address of Reeces Rainbow, the organization that connected us to our daughter. www.reecesrainbow.org
I hope that others can share in the joy that we have found through adoption of our daughter who was born with Down Syndrome and wasting away in a mental institution in Russia. She is a high functioning beautiful young lady who now has a brighter future with us.
Our own biological child born with Down Syndrome gave us the courage to adopt her.

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# Jennifer 2011-04-01 10:11

I tried to call in but the show ran out of time. I agree with another caller that high expectations and educating oneself are very important for parents. I learned about methods for teaching reading for my son. He began reading at the age of 3. Prior to entering Kindergarten the school tested him to be reading at a 2nd grade level. My point is that we are still on a steep learning curve for how to educate individuals with Down syndrome to bring out their full potential.
I appreciate Dr. Ladda's positive outlook. Not all professionals have a similar attitude toward individuals with Down syndrome. I believe my son's biggest handicap is society's prejudices, not his Down syndrome. This is one reason I make a point to have him included in regular classes at school and integrated activities in the community. I am greatly encouraged to see the positive responses from his peers as well as from adults.

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# Anna Caylor 2011-04-01 10:11

I have four children. Elisha 22 down syndrome. Karissa 20, Kelsey 17 and Mason 3 down syndrome. Yes 2 of my 4 children have downs. I wouldn't change this at all. When I was 40 and found out I was pregnant I started taking the test because the dr encouraged me to. My protein level came back and it was elevated. I decided to stop further testing and enjoy my Late In Life Pregnacy. Never did I even entertain the thought of ending my childs life.

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# Celeste 2011-04-01 10:27

Hi, I was 40 and had en-vetro genetic testing. it was neg for downs. are there more extensive tests for subtle forms of downs? my 9 yr old daughter has none of the typical facial features, she is slim and average height. but when she was born she had trouble feeding, & later could not roll over & didn't crawl much but walked on the early side of normal,but did not use words till the late side of normal. she still has trouble with sit ups. she has a slight speech impediment & needs a extra help to do school work. at home she does not seem to understand a lot of basic instructions. she gets some help from the Intermediate Unitfor speech & math. she is also remarkable empathetic and withdraws during conflict she has a great sense of humor (even though it is some what lame). this could all be coincidental, just wondering if the test was accurate so I could get her the best help possible.
thank you for the program till now I was afraid to have another baby I am 49 now (am I to old?)

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# Anna Caylor 2011-04-01 10:35

When meeting with Dr Ladda after Mason was born. He suggested my other children get tested to see if they carry the chromosome disorder. When I told my other 2 children this they stated...'why would we do that? It wouldn't bother us to have a child with down syndrome'. Children accept children with down syndrome because children are educated about this. Our family has been truly blessed. Elisha, my 22 year old with down syndrome, said to be 'Mom why do I have Down Syndrome?' I told her God picks so many babies to have this. It is something not everybody gets. Its special! She has a shirt that says "Down Syndrome DIVA" and that she is. She wears it proudly.

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# Anne 2011-04-01 10:55

My 12 year old daughter with DS is not treated differently than her sibling. My husband & I have always expected much from both our children. Proper social behavior and good grades. We work very hard with them to get them to achieve. People often comment that our "special" daughter seems brighter than other children her own age. She certainly is kinder than most teenagers. Don't be discouraged if you have a special child. Treat them like a normal kid!

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