02 Oct Down Syndrome Awareness month.

October is Down Syndrome awareness month. This is a month for us to advocate for our children so they are accepted in society and given the same opportunities as others so they may go on to lead fulfilling lives. A month for us to spread awareness about what Down Syndrome is and what it isn’t.

I did not really know anything about Down Syndrome prior to having Ariel so it is a good month for me to learn some more. When I was pregnant I became aware of pre natal testing. As I was 40 years young I was given a 1 in 100 chance in having a baby with DS. As the scan date came closer discussions were on amongst friends and family. Was I going to have an amnio? Was I going to abort with a pre natal diagnosis? NO and NO. After the scan I was given a 1 in 700 chance of having a baby with Down Syndrome and that was fine with me. It is amazing how many people automatically think termination. They raise ideas that they would not be able to look after a child with special needs and isn’t it better not to bring them into the world and run the risk of neglect…?? hmmmmmm

Ariel is my only child so I cannot compare to a child without special needs but I can tell you that I certainly do not find her a burden. She is my girl and I love her. I worry about her health and future the same as what I would if she didn’t have DS. Life does not promise perfect to anyone and any of us could have an accident at anytime and require additional needs – what then? If you cant look after a child with special needs maybe being a parent is not for you? Sadly I think the ones who terminate the unborn child with Down Syndrome are the ones who need them the most. Trust me they come with special powers that make you a better person.

I was speaking to a friend on the phone recently and she said to me “you sound great. It sounds as though everything has just clicked into place” and that is exactly what has happened. Everything is as it is meant to be.