A recent study brings new attention to the cardiovascular health of individuals with Down syndrome, revealing they face an increased risk for certain serious conditions, particularly stroke. Researchers in Sweden, analyzing national health records of over 5,155 individuals with Down syndrome born between 1946 and 2000, compared their cardiovascular outcomes [...]
School’s out! Lazy mornings, sunny afternoons, and family adventures are on the horizon. But for parents of children with Down syndrome, the long summer break can also bring a question: how do we keep our kids learning, engaged, and moving forward when the structured school day disappears? The “summer slide”—where [...]
For expectant parents, the journey through pregnancy is filled with anticipation, excitement, and often, a series of important health decisions. One area that consistently receives attention is prenatal screening – tests offered during pregnancy to assess the chances of certain genetic conditions in the developing baby. Among these, screening for [...]
New research is shedding more light on the developmental landscape for children with Down syndrome, highlighting an increased likelihood of them also having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These conditions, when occurring alongside a primary diagnosis like Down syndrome, are often referred to as comorbidities. For parents, [...]
In the journey of understanding Down syndrome, beyond the medical facts and developmental charts, lie the deeply personal, often transformative, human experiences. Two collections of essays, “Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives“ and its successor, “Gifts 2: How People with Down Syndrome Enrich the [...]
Navigating the world of parenting a child with Down syndrome can feel like charting a new and sometimes overwhelming course. Amidst the sea of information, Natalie Hale’s “Down Syndrome Parenting 101: Must-Have Advice for Making Your Life Easier“ emerges as a beacon, frequently described by readers not just as a [...]
Navigating behavior in children and teens can be one of parenting’s most complex challenges, and for families of individuals with Down syndrome, specific approaches can make a world of difference. Dr. David S. Stein’s “Supporting Positive Behavior in Children and Teens With Down Syndrome: The Respond But Don’t React Method“ [...]
Developing fine motor skills—those intricate movements of the hands and fingers—is a cornerstone of childhood, paving the way for independence in daily tasks, success in school, and confident interaction with the world. For children with Down syndrome, who may experience unique developmental pathways, targeted support in this area can be [...]
There is something special about a personal memoir. It offers not just advice, but a hand to hold, a shared glance of understanding across the miles and experiences that separate us. For families touched by Down syndrome, certain memoirs have become cherished companions, offering comfort, wisdom, and a profound sense [...]
W. Scott Westerman, III The discovery that your child will be born with special needs is filled with conflicting emotions. When Juliette arrived as our son and daughter-in-law’s second child, Colleen and I knew instantly that she was special. My wife’s youngest brother had Down syndrome. We could recognize the [...]