Question:
I am dating a wonderfull woman that has children. One of which has Downs. I have started readind about it and understand it for the most part. I guess the Biggest concern I have right now is I have 2 daughters of my own. How will this affect them? Children with Downs, do they get violent toward there siblings? Any information that anyone can give me will be greatly appreciated.
Mike
Answer:
Hello,
For starters, how old os this Downs Syndrome daughter? Most of the time, they do adjust well, Down syndrome children and adults sometimes have a hard time adjusting to a sudden change, they don't like there daily routine changed, for instance, if they get a new teacher in the beginning of the school year because they have moved on to a higher grade, they don't like that, they want there old teacher back, that teacher was there comfort zone. What I would do is start introducing your children to her, let them get to know her, maybe they could sleep over a night here and there on the weekend or take your kids and her kids and go to dinner or a movie., once she gets to know them, I really don't think your going to have a problem. I have a DS son who loves people, he'll talk to anyone-he is 21 years old. He is a loveable guy and very happy, not violent at all. We did have a few temper flairs when he was entering into puberity, but that was it, most teen-agers that enter puberity do have issues, they don't have to be Down syndrome for that. I have four Children, all my kids are grown except for one teen-ager, she is my youngest, she has been "a piece of work these teen-ager years", She gets my blood pressure sky rocketing and she has no disabilities. I really think everything is going to be just fine.
Karen W.
Answer:
Karen, Thanks for getting back with me. The DS kid is a boy. So no sleepovers just yet. I appreciate your advice. As I read about DS, I see there are different types of it. Is DS diiferent for every individual or pretty much the same for all?
To answer your question that you asked me, he is 5 yrs old. He seems like a very loving and caring kid. Obviously I am scared because this is something new to me and my family. So any advice,in any situations, I would love to hear,
Thank You
Mike
Answer:
Hi Mike:
I thought I would give you my perspective on this. I have 3 children, daughter 25 with DS, son 23 and son 21. We were always the house that the kids "hung out" at when the boys were growing up so we had lots of extra kids around as well. Jennifer is like any other kid except that she is slow to learn some things and will probably never fully learn others. She has gone through many stages of development just like my boys did, some I liked better than others with all of them
The thing I do know, is that all the kids who spent time with Jen, including my boys, have learned to be more compassionate understanding adults, and I think it is because of her. When you watch someone try so hard to learn things, and continue to have a great attitude, it's inspiring. I think your children will benefit from a relationship with this young boy. They may not always get along, but I don't know any kids that do. Just treat them all the same and things will be fine.
Know that we are all here to share our advice and opinions with you...or to just listen if you want. There are never any questions that can't be asked, so ask away!
Sarah
Answer:
I forgot to answer you on individuals with DS. They are different in many many ways, and the same in some. Much like other kids, their IQ's will vary greatly, what they will accomplish in school and work will vary as will their personalities. They are individuals just like you and I. There are different types of Downs, this refers to the genetics involved.
Hope this helps.