Down Syndrome Help
There are Federal and state programs to provide assistance to individuals with Down Syndrome and their families. The earlier an individual with Down Syndrome starts getting assistance the better off they will be. Most children with Down Syndrome are developmentally delayed, so getting them assistance early on will help prevent the time span of such delays.
Schools have aids to assist children with disabilities including Down Syndrome. They can often be in regular classes but may need special one on one attention to help them grasp the concepts. Children with Down Syndrome often struggle to keep up with the fast pace of most school curriculums.
Many families experience stress with the arrival of a baby with Down Syndrome. It is very important that they become educated in the assistance available to their family and where to find it. Counseling and support groups for the entire family are very helpful. This is a great way to help your family express their anger, fears, and concerns with having an individual with Down Syndrome in the family. Counseling can make the family bond much stronger than before.
Since over half of those with Down Syndrome experience heart troubles, adequate medical attention is essential. This can lead to financial difficulties for the family. There are Federal and state programs to help with the medical needs of children affected by Down Syndrome. They may also be eligible for Social Security Income, known as SSI. This is a monthly financial payment to the family from the Federal government. Those eligible for SSI are automatically eligible for medical coverage as well.
There are many wonderful organizations out there to help families affected by Down Syndrome. Some like the March of Dimes work to continue research to prevent future cases of Down Syndrome. Others including the National Down Syndrome Society work to provide information and referrals for support to families. The efforts of these programs, along with the assistance of dedicated parents, and an educated society have lead to many great opportunities for those with Down Syndrome.
Having a child with Down Syndrome can be disappointing, but with the right information and assistance, you and your family can learn to adjust to the changes. Most individuals with Down Syndrome are still able to live a normal, happy life if they have had an opportunity to learn basic skills and get an education if they get the help they need early in life.
April 26th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
i have a friend she is 45 years old she is caretaker for her 50year old brother with downsydrome,
‘her parents are deceased her brother was recently descharged fron the facility he was staying at,,he can not be truster alone so she had to quit her job ,then the goverment cut his 700.00 per. mo. check by 100.00. she is about to loose all ,and both of them will be on the street,there must be some kind of help for them,a place for older down sydrom victems,i am helping all i can and so are others,