10/29/2024
How to talk to your kids about Down syndrome💙💛
Many of us know someone who was born with Down syndrome and many of us don’t. Either way, it’s only a matter of time before you meet someone at the playground, church, or school who has this diagnosis and your child will likely have questions. My daughter, Kinslee , has Down syndrome, and I have noticed that kids who maybe have never met someone with Down syndrome before will scrunch their faces up in confusion and stare at her, trying to figure out what’s different. Introducing our kids to Down syndrome before they meet someone with this diagnosis will empower them to initiate friendship rather than giving a confused stare.💙💛
Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder. When I explain chromosomes to kids, I tell them that chromosomes are the puzzle pieces that make you you. They determine what color eyes you have, whether your hair will be curly or straight, and even some of the foods you will like or dislike. Most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes — half are from your mom and half are from your dad — for a total of 46. But a baby with Down syndrome has an extra chromosome (47 instead of 46) (so while most people have 2 copies of the 21st chromosome, people with Down syndrome have 3). This extra “puzzle piece” means people with Down syndrome will look, grow, and learn a little bit different than most other people.💙💛
Here are some differences associated with Down syndrome. The most recognizable physical differences in people with Down syndrome are their almond shaped eyes and their flat nose bridge. They also have a single crease across their palm, a large gap between their first and second toes, small ears, and a tongue that tends to stick out. Low muscle tone (called hypotonia) is also common in kids with Down syndrome but is less obvious as they get older. 💙💛
People with Down syndrome are also often much smaller than their peers who don’t have Down syndrome. (Kinslee’s dad is 6’6 so she’s taller than the average kid with Down Syndrome) Many people who have Down syndrome have hearts that grew differently than most hearts. Sometimes they form with a hole inside and require surgery to fix the hole. People with Down syndrome often take longer to learn to talk and walk than people without Down syndrome.💙💛
Even though there are some differences, people with Down syndrome usually love to play, learn, and meet new friends! They have similar dreams, goals, and interests as other kids. They can go to school, make friends, and have jobs when they're older 💙💛
Referring to a child diagnosed with Down's syndrome as “Down's kid” is grossly inappropriate and insulting to the parents. It is proper to address the child by his/her name rather than their medical condition. I hope this helps anyone wanting to understand Down Syndrome better💙💛