MARCH 21, 2022 is World Down Syndrome Day! In our lifetime, we may have seen one of them. A child with a flattened face and nose, almond shape eyes that slant upwards, small ears, and a short neck. They may even speak slower than other children. This is a child with Down Syndrome. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one out of 700 babies are born with Down Syndrome, a condition in which a child has an extra chromosome. Down Syndrome is a type of developmental disability that can be diagnosed at birth.
For many new parents, having a child that has been diagnosed with Down syndrome or other type of a developmental disability can be very scary. In order to prepare parents for their child with a disability, there are services that the child can receive. The Early Intervention program has a team of professionals that can assist a parent in understanding the child’s disability. The goal of Early Intervention programs is to enhance and accelerate development by building on a child’s strengths and by strengthening those areas that are weaker, in all areas of development. The Early Intervention program and their team meet and create what is called an Individualized Family Service Plan or IFSP. This IFSP is a written plan of services offered to record family outcomes to assist the child.
Remember, an IFSP is a fluid plan, a plan that should be visited every year. When a family is refereed to early intervention for services, a team will meet with the parents to create a plan for their child. This team may consist of an occupational therapist, a speech therapist, a physical therapist, a teacher, and family members. The team shares evaluations, concerns of the child, and they help the parent(s) navigate services for their child.
Join us in celebrating World Down Syndrome Day and together we can empower people around the world to advocate for full inclusion in society for people with Down Syndrome and for everyone
For more information on World Down Syndrome Day, please visit https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org
For more information early intervention services, please call the advocates of NMPASI at our office numbers (670) 235-7273/4, text message (670) 287-0652, or visit our website at www.nmpasi.org
CLEO NENING
NMPASI Program Coordinator
