Down Syndrome

[Punkygirl0101]

One of my close friends (I have been friend's with this entire family for about 5 years now) had her first baby 2 weeks ago. He is currently in our Children's hospital, he had surgery on his small intestine a few days ago, and when hes 3-4 months old he will be having surgery to fix a valve in his heart....

he was born with down syndrome. Does anyone here have experience with their own child, or a relative who has down syndrome? She is really positive (Of course was devastated at first) and shes doing really good and hes doing really good. I have been reading a lot more on down syndrome (I baby sit for her sister, who is another close friend..she has two sons 1 1/2 and 3 months old)...and I am going to be really close to this baby...so I should know about it.

This is him by the way, his name is Noah (I had permission to share his photos with you..I just took these last night and my camera died after the second one so I didn't get any decent ones):

[Cassiepeia]

Noah is gorgeous.

I really don't know much about Down's Syndrome, despite having a cousin who has it. But I do know there are a few successful people with it. Actors/actresses, artists, athletes etc...

Cass.

[Doglover1988]

He is precious! I don't know a whole lot about down syndrome. Here is the wikipedia site about it. I hope he has a good life.
Down syndrome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Sweetpea]

Wow is Noah a beautiful little guy. I've been working with kids with special needs for over 20 years now. I've worked with many children from age of 6 to 21 with Down Syndrome. I worked 6 years with a girl who had Down Syndrome. She was the most lovable kid. She is now in her 20's and continues to keep in touch with me. Every once in a while she calls me when she's home alone. I really feel lucky to have her as a friend. The medical field has come along way in it's treatment for children with Down Syndrome. It's very comon for children with Down Syndrome to be born with heart problems. I'm very hopeful for Noah that he can have a great future. There are many places on the net to read up on Down Syndrome. But the main thing is treat him as you would any other child. With lots of Love. I know I'd be proud to have a little guy like Noah in my life. If you have any questions about any of the kids I've worked with just let me know. I hope you keep us posted on Noah.

[Swiftwind]

What a beautiful baby Noah is! I'm sure your friend will cope really well looking after a child with Down Syndrome, especially with all the support she has from people like you.

[Sentry]

I'm not familiar with many downs children. I do have an Autistic son. The best advice I have for your friend is to never accept the answer..."you child will never be able". they told me my son wouldn't be able to live a "normal life". They were right and very very wrong!!! He is not the norm but is above and beyond what "they " said he could do. He is in honors classes, brown belt in karate and plays high school football...will be getting a drivers liscence. I know downs is very different but still never take can't as an answer...where there is a will there is a way.....and a lot of work to get there.

[Doglover1988]

Originally Posted by Sentry

I'm not familiar with many downs children. I do have an Autistic son. The best advice I have for your friend is to never accept the answer..."you child will never be able". they told me my son wouldn't be able to live a "normal life". They were right and very very wrong!!! He is not the norm but is above and beyond what "they " said he could do. He is in honors classes, brown belt in karate and plays high school football...will be getting a drivers liscence. I know downs is very different but still never take can't as an answer...where there is a will there is a way.....and a lot of work to get there.

Wow that is amazing! My sister is a teacher of an autistic elementry school class and loves all the children. I will have to tell her about your son.

[Sentry]

Originally Posted by Doglover1988

Wow that is amazing! My sister is a teacher of an autistic elementry school class and loves all the children. I will have to tell her about your son.

I posted a different thread on autism, I didn't want to highjack this one.
Please everybody don't count any child out before they even get started.

[Swiftwind]

Originally Posted by Sentry

Please everybody don't count any child out before they even get started.

I totally agree with your statement!! My sister's fiancee has cerebral palsy and he was told he wouldn't be able to walk etc etc. Well, he's walking and can even drive, and lives a pretty normal life. Of course there are things he can't do (like write or ride a bike), but what he can do far outweighs what he can't.

Some people underestimate those with disabilities. I saw a great slogan on a bus last year that said "Don't dis my ability" - which I think so many do.

[IceyBlueSibes]

I don't know much about down syndrome, but all of the kids/people I've come across that have had it, are probably the nicest people I've met.

Not to go off subject, but I wanted to comment on that slogan you saw swift---
Did you guys see the episode of "Exteme Makeover Home Edition" with the kid who was born without eyes, and the ability to walk? He was on the Ellen Show before that EMHD episode aired (I think). I thought it was a great show, but he was always very positive and didn't view himself as having a disability. He said if he was able to have vision, he wouldn't want to see because he views people/things for what they really are, and not for what he sees them as.

So my best advice is probably is the same as what everyone else has told you. Don't treat them any different than you would any other child.

[Rivsky]

Noah is just beautiful