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If your LO has down's & you already had a toddler
Please tell me what your schedule looks(ed) like if you did/are doing early intervention.
Please tell me how you're able to balance everyone's needs.
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Re: If your LO has down's & you already had a toddler
My child does NOT have Down Syndrome but he has a genetic syndrome that does have physical, behavioral, etc needs. I have one other child who we are currently testing for the same genetic syndrome. I can tell you what our day usually looks like. I'll do a blog post and share what the schedule is with you if you would like. Believe me, you learn to adapt. It's a "new normal" and although we didn't find out at birth as we found out in January of this past year, I can't imagine NOT having him.
Good luck with your decision!
My LO does not have downs but is globally delayed. She is 2yo but developmentally about 6m. She adores her 4yo brother who would do anything for his little sister.
You adapt to what you are given. Both my H and I work. We have a great daycare and really lead a pretty "normal" life. We have dinner together every night. We have playtime and a bedtime routine. Yes we have therapy for her and many classes for my son, but that is part of any busy family. Instead of running my daugher to sports, music lessons and dance class we go to therapy.
The gleem in my daughters eyes when she watches her brother run and play and his gentle touch and hugs that he gives her is precious. The way the two of them laugh together, priceless.
You have just learned a lot and I am sure it is overwhelming. Try not to jump into any decisions. Take time to let the news sink in. Keep inquiring like you are and researching. Maybe look into counseling to help you deal with your emotions before making a life lasting decision.
Hi,
My son Austin was 18 months old when Riley was born, and Riley has Ds. Our lives are crazy. We have at least one therapy appt eachweek. I work full time as a teacher and my mom takes care of my 2 boys along with my 4 year old nephew and 10 month old niece at my house during the day.
You adapt and adjust. We give Austin all the attention we can while trying our best to give Riley the attention he needs. We try to incorporate Austin into our daily routines as much as possible. For example, he helps me cook dinner, or helps fold laundry, or brushes his teeth while we are getting ready. These are things that he really loves. We also have him help us take care of Riley. If Riley is sleeping on the couch, I'll have Austin go over and peek to see if he is awake or asleep. I guess we are lucky that he likes to do these things right now.
The bottom line (for our family) is this: LOVE YOUR KIDS AND DON'T MAKE THERAPY YOUR LIFE. I have found that the instructions from our therapists could easily take 100% of our time, but they simply can't. As you progress you will make changes and adjustments as you go to find what fits for your family.
Good luck.
Hey there ---- It's me again - Nate's mom. The women at this site (below) are really great to talk to as well...they are AMAZING.
https://community.babycenter.com/groups/a315/down_syndrome
I know we only have Nate, but we totally agree with what was said above --- We don't make therapy our life. We have found that consulting with our therapist to give us ideas is just as important as the therapy. We try to integrate the work into our day.Also we spend a lot of time just enjoying being parents and being a family.
Also I should add that we are much busier taking care of our son (who is just a kiddo) than dealing with or thinking about therapies. Does that make sense?
You live in NY right? It may me worth contacting the early ed services person/director in your area to ask them what therapy looks like where you live - what is offered --- whether it is delivered in a home or center. Also ask what parent support groups are out there.
Oh one more thing to share -- Brian Skotko has done great work in the areas of DS - check out some of his work. He also wrote a book for siblings...
https://www.brianskotko.com/
Please write anytime. Thinking about you TONS!
Crista
*Crazycrustacean*...I sent you a PM.
Several thoughts (my kids both have a genetic condition called NF)
Until age 3 all therapy is in the home (or at daycare if you work). So you don't have to pack up the kids to go to appts. The great thing is that while the therapist is working with DS, I can spend time with DD and vice versa (while checking in regularly with what the therapist is working on of course). But you could have your toddler at the table doing a "big kid" activity like play doh or coloring, and give her lots of attention, while little brother is on the floor with the therapist instead of trying to eat the play doh!
Dean doesn't have DS, but PWS has similar issues. Like the pp said, therapy is in the home so it's really not a big deal. You get used to it. All the specialist appointments outside of the house are a bigger deal, but even those are tolerable.
Like mommyof4boys said, it becomes the "new normal" and you just adjust! It takes awhile (it took us about 11 months to feel we'd hit our rhythm), and honestly I wouldn't want it another way!!