Dear Melissa,
You write a lot about children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Do you serve children with other pediatric disabilities and developmental delays as well?
My professional colleagues at Children’s Therapy TEAM work with a wide variety of developmental delays including, but not limited to, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Prematurity, various genetic disorders, and general developmental delays. Even though I personally work almost exclusively with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and other mental health illnesses, I’m very aware that October is National Down Syndrome Month. It is all part of our TEAM approach to care! Given this approach, I have decided to focus this post on Down Syndrome Awareness.
Meet one of our TEAM children with Down Syndrome:
Berkley (pictured below working with TEAM OT Bridget Glynn) says she loves coming to the clinic to work with Miss Bridget (Children’s Therapy TEAM Occupational Therapist) because she likes to build with blocks and play with baby dolls.
Meet one of our TEAM therapists who serves children with Down Syndrome:
Bridget Glynn (pictured above) works with many children who have Down syndrome. She says, “I love working with children with Down Syndrome! I have so much fun teaching them different ways to achieve their goals, whether it be brushing their teeth independently, putting on a shirt, writing their name, or taking turns playing a game with their friends. There is never a dull moment among the laughter, sass, a little stubbornness, and of course celebration of milestones achieved. I love teaching my kiddos ways to be independent and to thrive in their everyday lives, and I love how they teach me to be a more creative, patient, and compassionate therapist.”
Facts about Down Syndrome:
Let’s look at the facts (taken from the National Down Syndrome Society):
- Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.
- 1 in 691 babies in the U.S is born with Down syndrome, making it the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition.
- Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels, but the incidence increases as the age of the mother increases.
- Some of the common traits of Down syndrome include low muscle tone, cognitive delays, small stature, and an upward slant to the eyes.
- People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions, such as:
- Congenital heart defects
- Respiratory & hearing problems
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Childhood leukemia
Yes, individuals with Down syndrome have many obstacles to overcome, but they can also contribute so much to the community! Many attend school/work, volunteer, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many incredible ways. Quality education programs, stimulating home environments, good health care, and positive support from their community can enable individuals with Down syndrome to develop their maximum potential and lead rewarding lives.
Ways YOU can help:
YOU can help these fantastic individuals to meet their fullest potentials. The 2015 Buddy Walk will be held on Saturday,October 10, 2015. The Buddy Walk features live music, food, vendor booths, arts & crafts, games and more! Participants will gather for a fun, 1-mile walk around Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, AR. The main purposes of this wonderful event are to raise awareness and to raise funds for the Down Syndrome Connection of Northwest Arkansas, so they can continue to develop the programs and services that help individuals with Down Syndrome, both locally and nationally.
This year, as every year, many of the therapists and staff from TEAM will be in attendance, walking and cheering on our friends. Hope to see you there!
Resources:
Down Syndrome Connection of Northwest Arkansas, accessed October, 2015
Center for Disease Control: DownSyndrome, accessed October, 2015
National Down Syndrome Society, accessed October, 2015