When we found out Darah most likely had Down syndrome during my pregnancy, I immediately started my quest of finding out anything and everything there was to Down syndrome. I am a research junkie and I have purchased more than a few books about Down syndrome. I would love to share with you my most favorite books about Down syndrome. I strongly recommend any new or expectant parent of a baby with Down syndrome add these books to their library or at the very least check them out from their library. Our local Down Syndrome Association has a library for parents to borrow books from; yours may have the same! These books also make great gifts for grandparents, extended family members, child care providers, etc… of babies born with Down syndrome.
I have the coffee table version of this beautiful book, and I can’t wait until my children are old enough for me to actually keep it out without being destroyed. This book was given to me after Darah was born and I was immediately encouraged by the beautiful pictures and stories. I did not learn a whole lot about the medical issues or the developmental delays in my daughter from this book. I learned the more important things. I learned how beautiful the life of a person with Down syndrome is and this book helped me so much during my early days of grieving.
I wish I would have had this book when Darah was first born! Jennifer Graf Gronberg writes about the first two years of raising her son with Down syndrome. It is honest, insightful, and encouraging! Every new parent needs to read this book! This book’s title is inspired by the incredibly well written depiction of having a child with special needs, “Welcome to Holland.“ I met Jennifer at a conference and she is such a genuine person. My children stole me away from her, but I would have loved to have talked with her longer than our quick introductions!
My wonderful local Down Syndrome Association mails this book to all new or expectant parents and I got my copy before Darah was born. This book helped me learn everything there was to know about Down syndrome! It clarifies common myths, explains in detail what Down syndrome is and how it occurs, explains the different medical issues sometimes associated with Down syndrome, has adjusted weight and height charts for children with Down syndrome, talks about what medical exams a child with Down syndrome needs and when, and was basically my go-to book for a while with anything concerning Darah.
The speech pathology student in me has to declare that this book is a must have! I had the pleasure of attending Libby Kumin’s conference in Atlanta and again in Kansas City at the National Down Syndrome Congress Convention and she is the most knowledgeable, insightful Speech Pathologist I have ever met. She seriously knows her stuff! This book will really help you understand your child’s speech development and the best way to help them achieve speech and language milestones. There are a lot of pre-speech activities in this book and it really is incredibly informative for parents of newborns all the way up to teenagers with Down syndrome!
This book has awesome milestone charts that tell you when you can expect your child with Down syndrome to achieve different milestones. Even though you should not compare your child to any child, it is helpful to know an average age that you can expect certain milestones. At this point in our Down syndrome journey, I am pretty laid back about developmental milestones, but during Darah’s first three years I was all about achieving the next milestone as quickly as possible. This book kept me focused on what step came next as we got closer and closer to Darah learning to walk and postwalking skills. It gives practical exercises to do with your child to strengthen his or her core muscles and help their gross motor development.
This is another great book to add to your library early. I don’t like the layout as much as Gross Motor Skills in Children with Down syndrome, but it is still incredibly informative. I have used this as my go-to resource for exercises, activities, and ideas to help Darah’s fine motor development.
I love this book because it is a board book for Darah with children who all had Down syndrome like her! All of Darah’s board books had children with the standard 46 chromosomes and it made me happy to have her chewing and reading a book that had kids who had 47 chromosomes like her!
I checked this book out at the library. Since Darah was our first child, we did not have to introduce “Down syndrome” to her siblings when she was born. However, I love this book and think any parent who has older children needs to give this to them after finding out their younger sibling has Down syndrome. It is endearing and encouraging for siblings of a child with Down syndrome.
Do you have any favorite books about Down syndrome? What do you love about them?
Well, maybe not everybody, but more and more families today are learning all about Early Childhood Intervention! I entered the world of developmental therapy as soon as my first child came home from the hospital because she had Down syndrome and was 100% tube fed. In my circle of friends with children with Down syndrome, therapy has been part of our normal day-to-day routine since our children’s birth. However, in my circle of friends who have healthy, typical children, developmental delays are far from uncommon and I have watched many friends of typical children enter the world of therapy I once thought was isolated to only children with “special needs.” One of the biggest reasons for this is people are recognizing the advantages of treating developmental delays early.
While it’s not uncommon for a child in any sandbox across the United States to be receiving some form of early intervention, nobody wants their child to have a developmental delay in any area. Watching your child achieve developmental milestones is probably one of the most rewarding things about parenting! When your child isn’t doing something that most of his peers are doing, it can be incredibly discouraging. It’s important to remember that typically, a delay in developmental milestones DOES NOT mean your child is not going to catch up! Most children who receive early intervention services catch up to their peers in their area of difficulty and no one knows the difference from that point on!
If your child does have a diagnosis that is going to stick with him or her long-term, you are far from the end of the world! I have a child who will always be behind her peers in most areas of development, however we wouldn’t change anything about her. In fact, she has brought so much joy and delight to our family, that we are adopting another child with Down syndrome . It took some adjustments because of continuous therapy, but we very much have a life outside of developmental therapy!
So, what exactly is Early Intervention?
Early Intervention (sometimes called Early Childhood Intervention) was created by the United States Congress is 1986 to provide services for infants and toddlers under the age of 3 who have a developmental delay of any kind or a disability.
What services does Early Intervention provide?
Physical Therapy {PT} - for children with gross motor delays {late sitting, late crawlers, late walkers, etc…}
Occupation Therapy {OT} - for children with sensory issues, fine motor delays, feeding difficulty, cognitive delay, or a delay in social or emotional skills. {In very young infants, there is sometimes an overlap between OT and PT, so an Occupational Therapist may also treat some gross motor delays.}
Speech Therapy {ST} - for children who are late to speak or have feeding difficulties
Other services early intervention provides: Family education and counseling, Assistive technology devices and services, Audiology testing and services, Nursing services, Nutrition services, Psychological services, Service coordination, Social worker services, Vision evaluation and services, and some provide respite care for families!
What if my child is over 3 years old?
If your child is 3 years old or older, they do not qualify for your state’s early intervention program. However, they do qualify for services through your public school system! Contact your school district if you suspect a delay in any area of your child’s development after they turn three years old.
Getting started
If you think your child is taking a little too long in an area of their development, you can make either contact your child’s physician or you can contact your local early intervention provider. You do not need your physician to refer your child for services. You can find your local provider by going to your state’s website. Here is Texas’ listing of early childhood intervention providers. If you have trouble finding your early intervention provider, let me know and I will be happy to help!
After you or your physician calls to make a referral, your early intervention provider will schedule a visit to your home to evaluate your child and determine if they are eligible for services. If your child is determined to have a delay, he or she will start receiving services shortly after the evaluation. That simple!
Remember that every child develops at a different rate and do not accomplish milestones at exactly the same rate. If you have questions on whether your child is developing at an appropriate pace, contact your child’s pediatrician or your early intervention provider.
Wrightslaw: Early Intervention and IDEA (Wrightslaw is the go-to source for what the law says about what services children with delays are entitled to receive.)
Do you know anyone whose child is receiving services from Early Intervention? Has your child received services from Early Intervention? Do you have any other experience with Early Intervention?
PS: In the spirit of National Adoption Month, I want to sneak this article in here (even though it has nothing to do with the topic at hand!) This article talks about the tax credit the IRS provides adopting families to help make adoption more affordable. Most people don’t know that they can receive up to an $11,000 dollar for dollar reimbursement for their adoption expenses!!
Dick Hoyt is one of the most inspirational parents I have ever heard of. Their story is so empowering and inspiring. My husband told me about them after reading about them in his Sports Illustrated magazine a while ago. When I think of how to love my children, this is the picture that comes to my mind now. I hope to give my child the amount of love Dick gives to Rick. Rick was born with Cerebral Palsy. While doctors encouraged Dick and his wife to place Rick in an institution, they knew that their son belonged in their home with their family. When Rick learned to talk with computer assistance, he told his dad he wanted to compete in races. Rick’s amazing dad competed in the Ironman Triathalon with his son. The last part of this video will surely force you to find some tissues if you haven’t already needed them. You can learn more about this dynamic duo at their website: Team Hoyt.
Congratulations! Over sixty of you bought a whole lot of raffle tickets and I’m so happy that we were able to help the Balsis family in this way!! They are now home from their first trip to Russia and have met a little girl who has Down syndrome and will be bringing her home very soon. Addison Veronika is the cutest thing ever! She is going to be two years old next month. While our raffle is closed, they still have a lot of expenses coming their way with another trip to Russia and the costs of finalizing their adoption. If you would like to follow the Balsis family and/or financially support their adoption, you can do so by visiting their adoption blog: Dreaming on an Angel.
Before I announce the lucky ducky winners of our fantastic prizes, I want to send a big THANK YOU to the sponsors and co-hosts of this raffle! I am blown away by the generosity of others and grateful for your support for this special family’s adoption journey. Thank you so much, from the bottom of our hearts!
Now onto the big announcement! All winners have been notified by email as well. Congratulations!!
Shay K.- Serena and Lily Rory Crib Set
Amelia S. - Dear Johnnies Robe and Gown Set
Vanessa B. - UPPAbaby G-Lite Stroller
Judith D. - UPPAbaby G-Lite Stroller
Amy A. - Born to Love Pink Argyle Visor Beanie
Shylo U. - Bella Tunno Circus Spots Chalk Placemat
Claudine E. - JessiJeanJewelry Blue Swirl Glass Pendent
Julie O. - Ellie Bellie Kids Lavender/Lime Tutu
Kim D. - SlickSugar Guitar Tee
Williams Violet - Cuddlebee Brown Dot Bib and Burp set
Robert B. - JP Lizzy Sprout Tote
Cheri P. - BabyRock Apparel Sorry Boys tee
Brian R. - Baby K’tan Camo Baby Carrier
Michael G. - Made By Angie Primary Dots Wipes Case
Kristie B. - Itzy Ritzy Bitzy Blanket in Black Damask andBlack Minky Dot
Shylo U. - Paperluxe Studio Set of 24 Notecards
Aimee B. - BabyRock Apparel Heart and Crossbones Shoes
Breanna P. - Born To Love Tan Visor Beanie
Sherry F. - Baby Rock Apparel Sweetheart Onesie
Jessica S. - Wet happened? Carnival Bloom Wetbag
Natalia D. - Baby Rock Apparel Preschool Tee
Amy A. - Clairebella Candy Stripe Blue Moses Basket
Jenna P. - Mia Moda Ciello Stroller
Brigitte V. - Bella Tunno Sweet Tooth Play Smock
Debbie B. - Born To Love Pink Visor Beanie
Sherry H. - Cuddlebee Fun Dot Bib and Burp Set
Naomi S. - Baby Rock Apparel Angelic Onesie
Kara S. - Ellie Bellie Kids Mocha Messenger Bag
Carmen M. - Little Showoffs Myself Tee
Colleen B. - Little Showoffs Rock Star Newborn Onesie
Craig G. - Ribbies Hair Clippies
Jodi R. - Sarabear Havana Diaper Caddy
Sherry F. - Mairzey Dotes Dotty Bird Bib and Burp Set
The Mom Crowd is honored to be hosting a very exciting raffle! One of our sponsors, Bethany from The Polkadot Platypus, is in the process of adopting a little girl from Russia who has Down syndrome. Bethany and her husband will be traveling to meet their daughter within the next couple of weeks and will hopefully bring her home soon after that. As most know, adoptions are very expensive. We are hoping that this raffle will help raise funds to help with their substantial adoption costs.
As a way to thank you for your support of this great cause, we have over $2,000 worth of prizes to give away {see the slideshow below}. Each raffle ticket purchased will enter you into a drawing for all of the wonderful prizes pictured below. Raffle tickets are $5.00 each and the more raffle tickets you purchase, the more chances you will have to win these great prizes! We will be closing this raffle on Saturday, September 27th at midnight EST and will be announcing the winners on Monday, September 29th, 2008.
Don’t miss out on your chance to win one of these great prizes!
*There are two ways to purchase raffle tickets …
1. Electronically - Click on the “buy now” button below. {Note: When using Paypal, make sure the correct dollar amount for the number of raffle tickets you wish to purchase is displayed. You will need to click “Update Total” for the proper amount to be shown. Remember, each raffle ticket is $5.00.} Winners will be contacted by their email addresses shown in Paypal.
2. Snail mail - Checks, money order or cash may be mailed to the address below. Please include a note with your email address so that we can contact you if you win.
Payment must be received before the raffle ends on September 24th to be entered into the drawing for the raffle. Please make your check or money order out to “Balsis Family Adoption Fund”.
Balsis Family Adoption Fund
Raffle Tickets
PO Box 61
Washington, Virginia 22747
We would like to thank the following folks for co-hosting this raffle:
My wonderful local Down Syndrome Association mails this book to all new or expectant parents and I got my copy before Darah was born. This book helped me learn everything there was to know about Down syndrome! It clarifies common myths, explains in detail what Down syndrome is and how it occurs, explains the different medical issues sometimes associated with Down syndrome, has adjusted weight and height charts for children with Down syndrome, talks about what medical exams a child with Down syndrome needs and when, and was basically my go-to book for a while with anything concerning Darah.
I love this book because it is a board book for Darah with children who all had Down syndrome like her! All of Darah’s board books had children with the standard 46 chromosomes and it made me happy to have her chewing and reading a book that had kids who had 47 chromosomes like her!
