Getting a Down syndrome diagnosis for your baby can be sobering. You may discover this before your baby’s birth — if you have genetic testing or a prenatal ultrasound done — or you might not find out until your baby is born. Expect to go through a period of grief and denial over your baby’s condition, but take heart in the fact that children with Down syndrome are capable of much more, physically and intellectually, than was thought several decades ago.
When is down syndrome diagnosed?
Down syndrome: What to do if your baby gets this diagnosis
While you cannot undo the diagnosis, there are things that you can do to help your baby live a better life. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual child based on their degree of disability, interests, and resources.
Your child may have many care providers working with their primary care provider to help them develop skills and tools to live a higher functioning life. Those on the team may include a speech therapist, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, and an educational therapist.
“Children with Down syndrome often have difficulty regulating their emotions and behaviors. This can lead to problems such as meltdowns and tantrums.” Virginia Blackwell, M.D. told Mom.com. She stresses that it is important for the family to learn and implement behavior management techniques ahead of time.
It has been seen over the years that those with the right level of support can lead happy, productive lives.
