Being a Special Needs Parent

[Hannahusky]

Hey everyone!

I have put a few threads up on a few different topics but basically we have found out this week that our baby could potentially have Downs Syndrome or some kind of underlying genetic condition due to dilated kidneys and a little issue with the heart.

I am 30 weeks tomorrow so we are pretty far along. Anyway the point of this is I am a bit sick of hearing doom and gloom opinions and things. Can anyone out there who has a DC with Downs Syndrome or the like give me some idea of what it's like to raise a child with this type of condition? We will love our baby no matter what and I would love to get a realistic idea of what we can expect as well as maybe some happy and positive stories!

Thank you.

Look up 'Wouldn't Change a Thing' for some love and inspiration

Try Positive about Downs Syndrome on Facebook

@dontbesorry2 on Instagram has a child with DS and is very positive. I think she might have a website too.

Another good Facebook page is Don’t be Sorry
www.facebook.com/dontbesorry2/

A friend of mine was told it was likely her child would have DS. She was 39 and refused the amnio test as she had already had three miscarriages and was worried it might make her miscarry again. The scan did detect a heart issue with baby though. She worried all through her pregnancy and got upset because the consultant asked her on several occasions if she would prefer an abortion. When her child was born he was not DS. He did have a heart defect that was operated on when he was about 9 months old. He is now fine. Don't worry about something that might not happen. Save your energy for dealing with issues when and if they do arrive.

Hi Op. I have a son with Down’s Syndrome who I we adore. We refused an amino so didn’t know for certain but knew our risk was 1 in 40 before he was born. Curiously his younger sister’s risk of Ds was 1in 2 and she doesn’t have Down’s Syndrome but has a rarer chromosomal disorder.
Life with our boy can be hard work as compared to some of his peers at 3 and a half ,with or without Ds, he has a considerable global delay. But parenting any child is hard work at times. Our life is full of joy and we are very thankful for our boy.
Happy to answer any specific questions, please pm me.

I was wondering how you were getting on, can I be honest? Make sure you find out what having an adult with DS is like, I’ve learned from hindsight that 0-16 is the easy bit when your child is entitled to the same mon to fri education that anyone gets