My Hypothetical Family situation

As a current teacher, English speaking, and married to a wonderful man, we have just found out that the child we will have is going to be born with Down Syndrome. For those who may not know, it is a condition where a child is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. While services are available, and treatment is available my child will be subject to other medical conditions a 'normal' child will not. Each child born with Down Syndrome exhibits different characteristics, both physically and cognitively. Thus from family members to community members to educators, all involved in my life will now need to be aware and understanding of the differences between them and my child. But don't count my child out on anything! As an educator, luckily my husband's job will allow for me to stay home and my child will be taken care of in our home by myself and whatever therapists he may need. My family and I, as well as my child, will need health services, support services, and early learning and development services to insure our child and family are receiving the best possible care. Without my income once our child is born, while we are currently able to afford for me to stay home, it will change our economic situation. I have also come to learn that in our area that not many know about Down Syndrome so I will now become an advocate in our area to raise the awareness of Down Syndrome and how although it can change the appearance and cognitive ability of my child it will not prevent my child from being an active member of society.

My hope and goal, as is that of my husband, is in having a child with Down Syndrome coming in the next few months, we will not only raise awareness of Down Syndrome but of children with all different kinds of special needs in order to make our community more accepting of the differences among us in a positive manner.

* All information gathered was found from the National Down Syndrome Society retrieved from http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/Down-Syndrome-Facts/