DSAM: Dad's Devotion

.

The 31st day of October marks the end of Down Syndrome Awareness Month. For me DSAM is every month but I am grateful to have this time to share information, shatter myths/misconceptions and hopefully shed new light on this marginalized population. Over the last month I have shared personal stories, expert advice and information about speech, occupational therapy and education. I have also had the pleasure of sharing several stories from amazing mothers in my community. My last DSAM blog for the month is from the best Father any child could ask for. Four children have been blessed to call this man 'Dad'. My husband wanted to share his thoughts about our son and the Down Syndrome community and I could not think of a more perfect way to close this amazing awareness month.

Blake has brought so much awareness and compassion to my life for a community I had overlooked.  Blake has Down syndrome, not “Downs” as many people unknowingly refer to it as, surprisingly including several doctors I have encountered.  Blake has love, passion, fear, anger and all the emotions so called “normal” people have. 

I am learning to slow down in my everyday busy life in being patient with his often delayed cognitive processes.  In approaching life in such a manner I see how much is missed by having expectations for instant gratification and results which plagues our society.  Many people are searching for ways to be more present living in the moment via yoga, meditation, etc. while Blake has taught me this just by spending time with him.  He has also taught me to be more accepting and compassionate towards others.  He is completely nonjudgmental.  This is one of his strengths that many adults could learn from.  Much of my evolution has taken place naturally by being in his life.  

I have had people say how sorry they are when I tell them my son has Down syndrome and my response is why?  I feel sorry for all the people who do not take the time to educate themselves about people with disabilities and the families who care for them.  I have been disgusted with the discrimination I have experienced with many people in how they treat people with disabilities. 

 I treat Blake the same as my other three children, each of whom has their own personalities, strengths and weaknesses.  I put more time into helping each of them in the areas where they need more support as do any loving parents.  Blake truly brings joy to life along with many challenges as do children in general.  Blake is making me a better person each and every day.  He has a purpose in this life that I can see unfolding in the goodness he has brought to so many he has touched.  

I am honored to be Blake’s father.

DSAM: Para Perfection

First Day Of School

The last two days of Down Syndrome Awareness Month I saved for two of my favorite people. Today I have the pleasure of introducing one of my best friends, mother of 3, teacher and now para educator to my son. As a parent of a child with different abilities navigating the education system is exhausting, frustrating and daunting to say the least. The school assessments and IEP Meeting (IEP = Individual Education Plan) where all of the experts use the opportunity to discuss all of the things "wrong" with your child, all of their weaknesses and how they fail to 'measure up' to the performance of their peers, one emerges from the darkness shaken and quite frankly disgusted. By one I mean me. At the end of the day Blake received the placement he deserved and I was charged with finding the perfect para educator for him. Truly without hesitation I thought of my friend and highly skilled, credentialed teacher Jensine. Thankfully the planets were aligned as she was available and willing to dive into these uncharted waters with us. There is no one that I would rather be on this (or any) journey with. 

First Day Of School

She has kindly shared her thoughts and feelings about being Blake's bridge between him and his peers, his voice as he learns to find his own and also his friend who TRULY has his best interest at heart and cares about his progress, no matter what the pace so long as it is forward. With her love and guidance it has been. I know it is not an easy job but I appreciate it more than any words could possible capture or articulate. She along with thousands of para educators and educational aide's are providing an essential service to our society. They are opening their hearts and utilizing their skill sets to address the educational needs of a marginalized community who administrators would rather lock away and forget about. It is because of Jensine that Blake will be able to learn and grow in a traditional classroom setting and not in a contained classroom. He will not come of age to live in a "contained" world so I personally find it preposterous that he is to be 'educated' in one. She will have my heartfelt gratitude FOREVER.

Blake and I are well into our second year at UMCC together.  I have known Blake since he was an infant, when his mother and I became fast friends (I had just had a baby as well).  I always remember Blake trying to keep up with his dear older sister, Kaleigh. He has always been such a lover, too. I mean, this little guy will steal your heart in a split second with a loving gaze and sweet smile, followed by the most sincere, back-patting embrace.  So while I have known Blake for years, it wasn’t until I acquired the position as his para educator, now I can truly say that I really know him. What a gift that is. 

To be a part of Blake’s education has given me a chance to connect with a beautiful boy, who happens to have Down Syndrome.  He is honest, genuine, and unfiltered. If only I could use his unique talent to politely get rid of somebody by simply waving, while saying “Buh-bye!”  He is passionate and deliberate in anything he wants to do.  Whether it be independently navigating and climbing an elevated bridge with a giant hole in the center, or not wanting to cooperate during a transition in class, Blake is quite the determined youngster. 

To be present for and to celebrate Blake’s milestones and victories, is nothing short of amazing. He has grown so much since attending a mainstream preschool where Blake is well liked by the staff and all of children that Blake attends school with.  Blake will play with anyone, but has several best buds at school that prefer to seek out and play with him.  A few of his friends enjoy recognizing new skills that Blake masters and new words that they hear him say. What a pleasure to witness the excitement when one friend runs toward me from across the playground to announce, “Blake said /k/! He is trying to say ‘Kal’ because he knows I’m his friend!”  These preschool-aged children have kind, innocent, open hearts. Inclusion benefits all parties involved.  We can all learn from one another.  What better way can we improve our society than to teach acceptance and compassion for all?

Working so closely with Blake has taught me more about persistence and patience.  In many instances, an extra second or two can make a big difference. I feel that there are great benefits in learning to take a moment before responding to people and/or events, while also granting that “wait time” to others who may need or desire that. This is just a snapshot of what I have gained and experienced while working with Blake.  I can’t even fathom what it must be like to see the world through Blakey’s eyes, but I know that being his para educator has given me unteachable insight and a vast wealth of knowledge regarding human nature and what it feels like to love without conditions.

  

DSAM: The O.T. Necessity

Carolyn and Blake in January 2014

We are almost to the end of Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Can you imagine me having an entire month full of content primarily dedicated to Down Syndrome? This is a very mulit-dimensional topic and there is enough material for every day of the year (and beyond) really if I sat and broke it all down. Parenting a child with Down Syndrome is no joke, but it's also joyful.

Being an Occupational Therapist to someone with Down Syndrome is a fine balance of challenge and reward. Carolyn Myles (Occupational Therapist MEd, OTR/L) was assigned to Blake as part of the early start program in our county. He was 3 month's old when she came into Blake's life and I have been grateful ever since. She is a knowledgeable practitioner who truly cares about your child's success.  We have received customized care and guidance from here and amazing tips and tricks for activities that cater to Blake's strengths, likes and to address his challenges.

Carolyn & I

She has agreed to share some of her wisdom and experience as it pertains to the Down Syndrome population and Blake!

The Role of Occupational Therapy with an Individual with Down Syndrome

Occupational therapy practitioners ask, "What matters to you?" not, "What's the matter with you?" In its simplest terms, occupational therapists help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (American Occupational Therapy Association – AOTA).  We are trained in child development, neurology, medical conditions, psychosocial development and a range of therapeutic interventions.

We guide individuals with Down Syndrome and their families to help them master skills for independence and reach their potential! (Yamkovenko, 2008).  Stephanie Yamkovenko, writer for AOTA, recommends that Occupational Therapy intervention should begin as soon as a diagnosis of Down Syndrome is established and could potentially continue throughout the individual’s life!

“An occupational therapist can help parents place expectations that are appropriate to the ability of the child,” says Asher, MA, OTR/L, chairperson of the AOTA’s Developmental Disabilities Special Interest Section.

For example, occupational therapy practitioners can help mothers whose children have feeding problems possibly due to weak muscles in the face.  During childhood therapy can focus on mastering motor skills, especially fine motor skills, for independence overcoming potential challenges such as low muscle tone, loose ligaments, and visual and auditory deficits. (Bruni, 2001)  Occupational therapists assist in school to facilitate fine and visual motor skill development to access to the curriculum as well as provide adaptations for optimal performance. Adults with Down Syndrome may benefit from therapy to maximize independent living skills and participation in healthy active recreation.  The goal is always to enable the individual to “live life to the fullest” (Asher).

We, as Occupational therapists work with the whole person and our philosophy is commensurate with that of John Colman, President of the National Down Syndrome Society in 2008 when he stated “People with Down Syndrome, like everyone else, are people first, each with their own unique gifts to contribute.”

We provide our intervention and expertise in a variety of ways:

By:

- observing  the child

- coaching the adults that interact with that child

- adapting the environment to provide the “just right challenge” for the child

- breaking down skills so that expectations are appropriate

- suggesting positioning or adaptations

- providing a range of play based, sensory motor, skill based therapies

- providing programs in school to promote and enhance sensory motor development

- address any sensory differences a child has and offer suggestions 

- work with families to embed therapeutic activities into their own unique routine

- working as a member of the team to help children achieve their potential in life.

Finally, we understand that ALL children have varied personalities, temperaments and motivations.  The true “art of therapy” is understanding and working with the whole child and discovering the “key” that unlocks their highest ability!

It has been my absolute pleasure during my Occupational therapy career to work with children with Down Syndrome.

I have often met these children as young babies, and watched them grow and develop.  To me they are first and foremost children with their own personalities and temperaments and my goals are the same as for all children; to reach their highest potential.

I had the pleasure of meeting Blake and his family when he was just a few months old.  He was always social and charming, and very early on showed his opinion regarding his likes and dislikes!  For example, he loved books and would sit and turn the pages, but resisted the transition from a bottle to a sippy cup (many were tried!) and would throw it across the room!

Blake is quite the “sensory seeker” and the “art” of therapy with him has been to provide opportunities for him to have his sensory needs met so that he can use his body appropriately to develop his gross and fine motor skills.  He enjoys climbing, and “crashing” and all kinds of active play.  

At home now he enjoys being outside  and wandering around his garden.  Now the emphasis is on providing natural opportunities as he wanders to engage and explore – such as digging in sand or mud, drawing on  his easel or on the ground with side walk chalk.  The goal is to provide as many opportunities as possible to work on Blake’s motor skills in the most playful and natural way through his every day routine.  Blake continues to have strong opinions and likes and dislikes!  He responds best to peer modelling and is lucky to have his older sister Kaleigh as his very best therapist.

It was so rewarding to visit Blake recently at his preschool.  He followed the class routine and played appropriately with his friends and the toys.  He was just “one of the boys” with the train set, cars and toy garage.  What an amazing example of inclusion working!

With the support and advocacy of his family, and appropriate therapeutic support when needed there is unlimited potential for what Blake can achieve.  I feel so privileged to be a small part of his journey.





References

American Occupational Therapy Association – The Role of OT with persons with Down Sydrome – by Stephanie Yamkovenko

Bruni, M. (2001) Occupational therapy and the Child with Down Syndrome – http://www.ndss.org/Resources/Therapises-Development/Occupational-Therapy -Down-Syndrome

National Down Syndrome Society

DSAM: Siblings Sound Off

Kaleigh's hand written submission for this blog. Published here unedited.

On this 27th day of Down Syndrome Awareness Month I wanted to look at Down Syndrome from the perspective of the Sibling. Blake is lucky enough to have 3, flanked by 2 sisters with a big brother to watch over the group.

Did you know? In 2011, Dr. Brian Skotko found in study conducted at Children’s Hospital Boston, “among siblings ages 12 and older, 97 percent expressed feelings of pride about their brother or sister with Down syndrome and 88 percent were convinced they were better people because of their sibling with Down syndrome.” (see reference below).

I have said many time's that Blake being born with Down Syndrome is making my children more compassionate, empathetic, helpful and kind human beings. I asked them to communicate, in their own words their feelings about Down Syndrome, Society and their little brother Blake.

Kaleigh Rain, 7 Years old:

"Kids that have Down Syndrome are just like regular kids. There is nothing wrong with having Down Syndrome. Blake and I like to dance together to music. We also like to play outside. Blake is very good at art. Blake sometimes gets a little dirty and everyone needs an extra bath.

 We like to laugh and wrestle. As sister Kaleigh I have to stick up for Blake. Blake has fun at school. I love him even that he doesn't even know his name yet and everyone is different. I hope you will be nice to kids and grown ups with Down Syndrome." 

Danica, Age 13: 

"My baby brother has Down Syndrome. Many people thing Down Syndrome is bad and that but they're just like any other person. My brother Blake is just like any other kid, he's fun, sunny, caring, sweet and so much more, I enjoy having him as a brother so much, he has brightened my life since he was born. I have had so many memories with him that I will remember my whole life.

He makes me remember what it was like to be younger and how I just wanted to do what I wanted to do and how much I loved my family. Blake has shown so much to me. I may be the older sibling the one to be an example but he showed me things that I didn't know before like I didn't even know what Down Syndrome is before I found out Blake had it. I didn't think any different of him, he was just like everyone else. When my step mom and my dad told us what it was I still thought Blake was normal. I'm so thankful to have my little brother Blake and can't wait to share many more memories with him."

Dylan, Age 17:

"Don't let Down Syndrome change your opinion on a person. I have watched my little brother grow up for 4 years now and he is still just as loving and kind as anyone else if not more.

 He excels everyday just as any other kid does. I'm positive hes just as smart as children without Down Syndrome in his age group. I wish people wouldn't put titles on people like my brother. 

His life is just as important as mine or yours. Never judge a person just because they have a so called disability, it doesn't change who they are."

When I look around I see the impact that Blake and every other member of the Down Syndrome community is having on the lives around them. They are contributing to the lives of people in their community, classrooms and those closest to them, their siblings. I don't think that my children would have changed their answer in any way if asked by another person. I love that they are considering the impact's of labels society places on people and how a label, like disability does not change who you are. An important life lesson for any child. I am so proud to be raising such loving advocates and allies!

Further Reading:

Skotko, B.G., Levine, S.P., Goldstein, R. (2011). Having a Brother or Sister with Down Syndrome:  Perspectives from Siblings.  American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A: 155:2348-2359.

DSAM: Nicole's Story

All month long I have had the pleasure of sharing stories from women to whom I am connected to through the extra copy of the 21st chromosome. Who knew chromosomes could connect people? another place that I find gratitude. Nicole is also the founding member of the new local advocacy and education group: CCDSN - Central Coast Down Syndrome Network. I'm proud to serve on the board of this local organization, along with other mothers and it is the first in our area!

Join me in wishing the beautiful Miss Amelia a HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY! and enjoy her equally beautiful mama Nicole's story.

On October 23, 2013, I gave birth to my second daughter. A beautiful blue-eyed angel, whom I named Amelia. I knew months before I had her, that would be her name. In fact, thanks to an insufficient placenta, there were a few things I knew about my child before she was born. I knew she was a she.  I knew she was petit. I knew she would be born via c-section. I knew that she was very healthy. I knew sh would wear a Sleeping Beauty costume for Halloween.  And above all, I knew she was a fighter. At twenty-nine weeks, my perinatologist told me to be prepared to deliver early as she didn't think my placenta support my unborn girl for much longer. She told me that I would be lucky to reach thirty-three weeks. So imagine her surprise, and the surprise of my OBGYN when we made it to our scheduled c-section at thirty-nine weeks, without going on bed rest or leaving work early. So, imagine my surprise when on October 24, 2013, the pediatric hospitalist on duty came into my hospital room to talk to Dan and I about trisomy 21.

Dan was not shocked, for the first time in 24 hours he was able to admit out loud that he thought there was something "different" about Amelia. Through the tears forming in his eyes, he looked strangely relieved. I, on the other hand, was in complete shock, I was numb with it. When the physician and nurse left my room, they took Amelia to check her into the NICU and begin some tests. Dan and I were unable to go with her as they were doing a procedure in the NICU and during that time no one was allowed in. Soon after, Dan looked at me, he told me he loved me, he told me it was all going to be fine and he needed to go out for some air. As he kissed me I could feel the numbness wearing off and pain and fear taking its place.

 I took that time to call and text a few relatives and friends.with each conversation the pain and fear took over more until I was a sobbing mess full of irrational thought. Until the day before I had never met anyone with Down syndrome. I knew nothing about Down syndrome, other than the common misconceptions. Suddenly, pain and fear were accompanied by darkness. And then my natural instincts took over.  I grabbed my iPad and began to research, and research. I called down stairs to the ED, where I work as a Data Coordinator, and spoke to my director. She ran up stairs with a pad and some pencils so I could make my notes. I made calls to physicians I knew to get referrals  and copies of articles from medical journals. I was determined to be an expert on all things related to Down syndrome.  With every piece of information, I began to feel more powerful, more in control.  The darkness, pain and fear were being locked away in a very small place deep down inside of me. 

The information I had obtained in those few hours confirmed what the pediatrician said, my beautiful, perfect daughter had Down syndrome. That was abundantly clear to me the first time I was reunited with her in the NICU. Her low muscle tone and tongue thrusting were no longer little quirks. What the information couldn't tell me is what having Down syndrome would me for Amelia, or our family. That unknown would allow the darkness, pain and fear to escape violently from its hiding spot for very short periods of time when I was alone. 

Over the next fourteen days, I got to know Amelia. From day one she was the decider of her own fate. When she was ready to be off oxygen, she reached up and disconnected the blue tube. Everyday I wen to the NICU at 8 am and dressed her in a new outfit. I even dressed her up in her Sleeping Beauty costume on Halloween.  I could tell by the sly look in her eyes she liked the extra attention she got while wearing the princess costume. Finally the day came when Amelia was coming home. Although, Amelia's personality shined so much brighter than her diagnosis. I was afraid. The irrational fear of her coming home pushed the pain and darkness close to the surface. 

It wasn't until Amelia had her first appointment with her pediatrician that I was able to reconcile Amelia and Down syndrome.  After he examined Amelia, read through her medical records, he turned and looked at me. I knew that my pain fear and darkness were all present on my face, like a bad Halloween mask. He very carefully said "She's just a baby. Do with her everything you would if she didn't have Down syndrome."  I asked about daycare, if I would need to quit my job and he said "Would you put her in daycare if she didn't have Down syndrome?  She's just a baby".  No truer words were ever said. 

I often look back at the first couple of months after Amelia's birth and I feel silly, and ashamed. I am ashamed I had so little faith in my daughter. At three months old Amelia started therapy and from day one she has eagerly met every challenge her therapists have given her. Earring the nick name "Amazing Amelia". She meets all of her milestones, some on par with "typical" children and some a little slower. All of them in her own time. 

More importantly, she is already a loving, compassionate, strong willed and sometimes devious little person, in other words: a typical two year old. This is evident by the way she feeds her baby doll everyday.  The way she comforts her older sister, by a soft rub on the arm. And the way she lights up at daycare when she's with her friends. She never lets anyone push her around, nor does she take no for answer.   As we head into the "terrible twos" she makes her opinions known!  

The pain, fear and darkness are almost completely gone. They are being replaced hope, love, admiration and thankfulness. I admire my daughter's strength and determination. And I am thankful to her and her extra chromosome for what they have given me. Over the past two years, I have found a purpose greater than I ever had before. I will do my best to make a world that is accepting of my daughter. I will follow Amelia's example, I will not give up. I will be an advocate, not only for her, but for everyone that is thought of as "different".  I will fight anyone who tries to get in her way. And I know that I am not alone. Over the last two years I joined a wonderful community. A community full exceptional people that I wouldn't otherwise have the pleasure of meeting. 

Although, I am definitely more raw since Amelia's diagnosis, overall I am a better person. I am a better mom, to both of my daughters. I will admit, it is difficult and sometimes exhausting. However, it is always worth it. And I wouldn't change anything about either of my girls. Down syndrome is as much a part of Amelia as I am. I am no longer afraid of Amelia's Down syndrome, I have truly accepted and embraced it. And you should too! 

DSAM: Day 21

Blake's 21st Chromosome image from his Karyotype

We have reached the 21st day of Down Syndrome Awareness Month. What a lucky number ... in Las Vegas and in my life. For those that don't know (you would be surprised how many people there are) Down Syndrome is a result of 3 copies of the 21st chromosome, also clinically referred to as Trisomy 21. Words alone could never convey the impact this tiny chromosome has had on my life. 

Pre bed time snuggles and giggles

I choose to focus on the positive and enjoy all that has been gifted to me instead of dwelling on the more challenging aspects and trust me there are not in short supply. It is a daily dance to which I barely know the steps and as soon as I learn them someone changes the music.

Blake admiring his half dragonfly pose

A woman I admire and adore read this aloud today while we were practicing Yin Yoga together. She the teacher and I the student. I have really embraced the roll of the student in my life. As a parents you are always a student. As a parent of a child who has extra needs it seems the learning never ceases, literally no end in sight.  The words that were spoken today by my favorite Yogi Teacher really struck a cord with me. I wanted to share them here:

If you could observe your Self from a distance, way over there,

would you critique your size and shape, your weight and your hair?

Would you be kind to your Self?

If you could observe your Self from a distance, way over there,

would you see your thoughts and your inner smile, your fears and addictions and the love that surrounds you 

and carries you all the while?

Would you be kind to your Self?

If you could observe your Self from a distance, way over there,

Would you spend more than a passing glance?

Would you wonder or be curious about the rhythm of your dance?

You are not a mistake or a mere happenstance….

And neither are they, way over there.

It's true!

Happy day everyone,

Love for us all,

By Marylou Falstreau

Women and he Hourglass

www.mfalstreau.com

I love these words. The lack of separation between yourself and others and this notion of equality. What people also fail to realize at times is that we are ALL in this, life, together. Regardless of ability, perceived 'disability', race, income, education, or accomplishments. It made me think about the Down Syndrome community.  Many people consider my son's chromosomal "difference" a mistake, I sometimes happen upon comments on social media stories and see these views first hand and I can almost imagine what people are thinking when they look at us a little too long when we are out in the community. Yes us, from a distance, way over there. From here I see no mistake, I see intention. I see gifts. I adore the blanket of kindness these words provide also, for yourself and for everyone, way over there,

Striped Harem Joggers From Dandy Cubs

DSAM: Jennifer's Story

Jennifer and Liam

It is day 16 of Down Syndrome Awareness Month and I am so pleased to be able to share Jennifer's story with you. Every parent has their own unique experience and I wanted the opportunity to share a variety of perspectives here in hopes of shedding some light on what it is like to be a parent of a child with Down Syndrome.

My name is Jennifer, and at age 28 I found out I was expecting.  I was so thrilled and excited and scared. My entire pregnancy was not easy from the very start, I was constantly sick pretty much the entire time.  To make things even more difficult I found out I had gestational diabetes.  At my 33 week ultrasound the doctor told me that Liam's humorous and femur measurements were short, which is know as a soft marker. Before this ultrasound all my ultrasounds came up "normal". The doctor proceeded to tell me that I had a 1 in 150 chance that my baby would be born with Down syndrome. For a very long time I hated my doctor for telling me this. With this information hanging over my head I was a mess, I cried, I was angry, I couldn't understand how this could possibly happen to me. At 37 weeks I went into labor and three days later I gave birth to a healthy beautiful baby boy. Liam weighed in at 7 Lbs and measured 19 inches. He was absolutely precious. The second I saw him though I knew, I knew he had Down syndrome. I could see it, but no one else could or they decided not to see it. Through genetic testing we confirmed that Liam did have Down syndrome. The next few months were dark for me. I mourned the life I wanted for my child. I cried. I just couldn't understand. 

As a new mom, already not knowing what I was doing, add low muscle tone into the picture.... it's a game changer. Two days after we were released from the hospital we were re-admitted. I had no idea that Liam wasn't latching on, he lost 11% of his body weight was extremely dehydrated and extremely jaundiced. I felt terrible! How could I not know that he wasn't nursing, how could I think his constant crying was normal? I thank god every day that something worse didn't happen due to my inexperience. Low muscle tone, tongue tied and nipple shields were my new reality. I worked closely with a lactation consultant for a full three months to get Liam to nurse successfully.  We worked tirelessly together to figure out this dance called nursing, I pumped and bottle fed meantime. Our hard work paid off, literally at the three month mark he just got it. It was such a big moment, I was so happy I didn't give up or give in. Everyone around me was telling me to just give him formula. 21 months later and we are still nursing strong. Like our nursing adventure, every milestone has been just like that. We work and work and work to get Liam to achieve his next milestone, and then one day he just does it.  Liam is amazing and silly and smart, it just takes him a little longer to do things.  It's truly amazing watching his determination and motivation to achieve what he wants.

  Every single day I celebrate the little things, all the things that parents of a "typical" child would over look.  I have forever been changed in such an amazing way.  Now I look to the future with optimism and hope, and I know that it's just an extra chromosome ... It doesn't define what a wonderful little human he is.

Thank you Jennifer for sharing your story!! 

Liam is AMAZING!

DSAM 2015: Celebrate & Educate

Today kicks off DSAM or Down Syndrome Awareness Month. I'm sure many of you are "aware" (especially if you follow me on social media) of the genetic condition referred to as Down Syndrome or Trisomy 21. My son Blake was given a set of 'designer genes' and I was given a new perspective on life, truly.

This month is all about education and sharing stories. I intend on sharing the stories of my fellow mothers, educators, professionals and even a dad or two.

People with Down Syndrome are making an impact in our communities, working, learning, and contributing. The further down this road I get I wonder who is the real"slow learner" or the ones with the "disability"? More and more I don't think it is any member of the Down Syndrome community but society as a whole. For all of the advancements we have made in medicine and technology we have been as equally left behind in humanity, compassion and appreciation.

Our differences are the things that should be embraced and celebrated, not how generic or the same we can be. A homogenized culture devoid of personality and subscribing to the herd mentality. Differences are a great source of learning and an opportunity for growth for all of us. I want to explore all this and more this month as I celebrate people with Down Syndrome and my beautiful boy Blake!

Karyotypical

The above image is of my sons Karyotype because of Down Syndrome Awareness month I want to explain what this means. A karyotype is the number and appearance of chromosomes in the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell. The term is also used for the complete set of chromosomes in a species, or an individual organism. Notice Blake's 21'st Chromosome? There is an extra copy, which is the marker for Trisomy21 or Down Syndrome.

Karyotypes describe the number of chromosomes, and what they look like under a light microscope. Attention is paid to their length, the position of the centromeres, banding pattern, any differences between the sex chromosomes, and any other physical characteristics. Thankfully with Down Syndrome More IS MORE and not less. Someone who has Down Syndrome is not 'less than' but from what I have learned in the last 3 years they are a whole lot more than anyone anticipates or can be prepared for. When you have a child with special needs they are constantly compared with what is 'typical' and many discussions about people with Down Syndrome are stereotypical. I called this post Karyotypical because my son's Karyotype is but one small picture of who he is.

My son Blake is MUCH more than his diagnosis. He is a little brother,  grandson, cousin, nephew and a friend. He is also a rough-n-tuble boy, curious, stubborn (a trait that is my personal belief to be due to his parents - not his chromosomes), fun, silly, funny and incredibly loving.

I am seriously excited to see what his likes and dislikes are as he grows and to hear his dreams and hopes.

He loves cleaning and helping around his classroom and house.

Everyday my life is enriched by this boy. I become a better person and mother because of him. He has made me slow down and enjoy life more, count my blessings and always see the silver lining that trust me is ALWAYS there for each of us,

I will be posting a lot more this month here and via other websites.

How will you celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month?