Down Syndrome

How the medical community fails when delivering a Down syndrome diagnosis

Maureen Wallace — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:00:00 -0700

Your ears burn. Your eyes water. You cannot believe you just heard an experienced medical professional utter such an insensitive, ignorant comment. Parents who have received a Down syndrome diagnosis at birth share their stories, and some show we have a long way to go in offering compassion and support when families need it most.

Operation House Call teaches compassion for special needs

Maureen Wallace — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:00:00 -0700

The Arc of Massachusetts began a program to teach medical students about intellectual and developmental disabilities more than 20 years ago. Today, interest has expanded but resources are limited, as OHC continues to build sensitivity on the theory that families are the best teachers.

More ad campaigns feature children with Down syndrome

Maureen Wallace — Thu, 02 May 2013 11:00:00 -0700

Have you ever noticed that you’re more keenly aware of a topic when it becomes personal? Parents of children with Down syndrome, like me, share a special radar for marketing campaigns that promote diversity and inclusion. Here’s a roundup of some favorites!

Why do smart doctors use ignorant speech?

Maureen Wallace — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:00:00 -0700

When a professional athlete tossed out the R word in an emotional post-event interview with media, the special needs community reacted swiftly and fiercely. The athlete was quick to apologize via Twitter, and the incident faded fast from fans’ memories.

Glee draws ire, applause for "gun in school" episode

Maureen Wallace — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 07:00:00 -0700

The episode of Glee titled, “Shooting Star,” pulled off a trifecta of controversy: A gun in school; brought by a student with Down syndrome, worried about her future after high school; and a teacher’s cover-up.

Parents find creative ways to fill children’s needs

Maureen Wallace — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:00:00 -0700

How many times have you thought wow, I wish someone would invent [fill in the blank]? Meet three parents who fulfilled a need for their children with special needs through creative means.

Should students with disabilities have equal access to sports?

Maureen Wallace — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:00:00 -0700

This year, the U.S. Department of Education issued clarifying guidelines to help schools provide students with disabilities equal access to sports and extracurricular activities.

6 Ways to ensure siblings aren’t overshadowed

Maureen Wallace — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:00:00 -0700

Children with special needs sometimes demand more of their parents’ time. So, how do you make sure their siblings don’t feel overlooked? Here are six ways to make sure your children who are developing typically have their own time to feel special.

Down syndrome advocates call for justice, training

Maureen Wallace — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:15:00 -0700

Justice. Education. Training. Awareness. In the wake of the death of Robert Ethan Saylor, national and local Down syndrome organizations are calling for awareness and action. But which rally cry will succeed — and which reflects what families of individuals with Down syndrome want from their national organizations?

Coping and surviving when your child won’t speak

Maureen Wallace — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 08:00:00 -0700

The moment when a child who doesn't yet speak is trying to communicate is a collision of the child’s frustrations, the mother’s overwhelming desire to understand and the underlying pressure on both to remain patient.

Down syndrome: Is awareness overdone and action overdue?

Maureen Wallace — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:00:00 -0700

March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day , recognized by the United Nations and intended to shine a broad spotlight on the most common genetic condition.

Does your child with Down syndrome need a sleep study?

Maureen Wallace — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Parents of children with Down syndrome often think restless sleep patterns are just part of childhood, but research shows real health concerns and causes that can be treated.

Women unite to bring yoga to children with special needs

Maureen Wallace — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Sometimes, you can’t help but credit fate with bringing two people together. Jackie Currie has worked with children with special needs for close to 40 years. Lisa Tendler has introduced yoga to thousands of people over the course of 20 years. Those 60 years of experience combined to bring yoga to parents and their children with special needs in a unique class developed with peace in mind.

Down syndrome ambassadors push legislation

Maureen Wallace — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 08:00:00 -0800

Every day, people on Capitol Hill lobby for causes, companies and campaigns. Occasionally, one group stands out because their passion comes from the heart — and their life’s experience.

Designer honored for featuring girl with Down syndrome on catalog cover

Maureen Wallace — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 09:00:00 -0800

A gala in New York City isn’t complete without a heartwarming cause, beautiful faces and inspiring tributes. The National Down Syndrome Society delivered on all fronts at its 2013 Annual Gala and Auction.

What siblings without Down syndrome are thinking

Maureen Wallace — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:00:00 -0800

Dr. Brian G. Skotko has all the character traits I look for in an advocate. His family encouraged banter as a sport. He earned a medical degree from Harvard. He has a family member with Down syndrome and a mother whose teaching career taught him the more important things in life should be laminated. As a parent of a child with Down syndrome, I give thanks that he’s “one of us,” or as he put it, “in the club.”

Special needs double standard?

Maureen Wallace — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 09:00:00 -0800

Advocating for a child with special needs often means working to ensure the child is accepted and not treated any differently than typically developing kids. Right? Well, not always. A portion of parents demand special treatment when it suits their needs. Who’s right? Who’s wrong?

Buddy Walk on Washington: Advocating for people with Down syndrome

Maureen Wallace — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 07:00:00 -0800

The National Down Syndrome Society’s Annual Buddy Walk on Washington takes place March 13-14, and registration remains open.

Nonprofit film turns camera on teens with Down syndrome

Maureen Wallace — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 07:00:00 -0800

Have you ever looked into the eyes of a teenager with Down syndrome, then listened to — and really understood — what it may feel like? To some, that idea alone is terrifying. But a new film helps break the ice on what producers hope will be the beginning of real conversations, real understanding and ultimately, acceptance.

Today show stirs emotions with prenatal test for Down syndrome

Maureen Wallace — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 10:00:00 -0800

The Today show recently featured an expecting couple who shared results after taking the controversial MaterniT21 PLUS prenatal test, which can detect genetic abnormalities at just 10 weeks of pregnancy. With relief and joy, they reported a negative test result, and then live on-air, Today revealed the sex of the couple's unborn baby .

Study seeks experiences with prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome

Maureen Wallace — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:00:00 -0800

Duke University has launched a study aimed at gathering parents’ experiences with prenatal testing and receiving a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome . The study is open to parents currently expecting a child with Ds, and parents who have previously received the prenatal diagnosis and have a child with Ds now.