The Down Syndrome Association of Mid-Missouri
Eric Remelius (Head of Agency)
(573) 449-3149
1012 London Dr.
Columbia, MO 65203
What is Down syndrome? |
How will the doctor know if our baby has Down syndrome? |
Growth and Development |
Parent Support Meetings |
Want more information?
If you are a new parent, we at the Down Syndrome Association of Mid-Missouri would like to
offer you our friendship, love and understanding through this difficult time. It is painful
to be told that your new and delightful baby has been born with Down syndrome. It is normal
to experience grief, disbelief, and possibly guilt as we all have. This pamphlet will offer
no magic cures, although we wish we could. Our group is made up of parents and family members
of infants, children and adults with Down syndrome. Many professionals are also involved and
we are all here for you.
Information on Down syndrome can be obtained from you doctor, public library, book stores and
from our group. We want to caution you to check the publication date on any of the material
that you might find. There is a lot of outdated information about Down syndrome.
Down syndrome may be easier understood if described as a condition where a baby is born with an
extra chromosome. It is currently thought to be caused from a malfunction in cell division at the
time of conception or shortly thereafter. In other words, when a sperm unites with an egg, an
extra chromosome is left over during the division of the cells. A chromosomal study must be done
to verify the doctor's diagnosis. Currently, there is no answer as to why the extra chromosome is
present.
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Down syndrome is usually recognized at birth. There are 52 physical characteristics that have
been associated with this syndrome. A child may exhibit one or several of these characteristics
which are also present in the general population. The issue is that they are more common in the
individual with Down syndrome.
Many children with Down syndrome are healthy, but a certain percentage are born with medical
problems. With current medical technology, many health related problems that would have been
fatal just a couple of years ago can now be successfully corrected with prompt and appropriate
medical attention. As a parent of a child with Down syndrome, staying informed about your child's
health and development is particularly important.
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Our children develop as other children, but it may be at a slower pace. As with all children
it is difficult to predict the rate of individual development or ability. Current research
indicates that a stimulating environment encourages development. With early intervention our
children can decrease their delays which will enable them to reach their full potential. It
is important that you find an infant intervention program in or near your community as quickly
as you can.
People can read and hear about Down syndrome, but no one knows the real feelings unless their
lives have been touched by a person with this genetic disorder. Until you meet our families
you may feel isolated and alone. We are just average families who happen to a child with Down
syndrome.
Our parent group meets monthly to discuss new information, host guest speakers and to learn
all we can about Down syndrome. Sharing our feelings, experiences and successes is a vital
aspect of our group. Some of us talk and some of us listen. We make new friends, we laugh and
sometimes we cry. This is why we are here. Along the way we gain strength, understanding, hope
and knowledge for the future of our children.
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For information about services and supports in Mid-Missouri,
send e-mail to
sremeliu@coin.org now. We are a volunteer based organization, and may take
several days to reply. Please be patient.
For more information about Down syndrome and nationwide supports and services, try these web
pages:
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