Down syndrome and Autism (DS-ASD), a dual diagnosis Last week we officially received news that after a plethora of diagnostic tests, our daughter Evangeline, who is almost seven years old and has Down syndrome, also is found to have Autism Spectrum Disorder. Crap. Now, let me back up. This is actually a diagnosis I’ve pushed for for four years. Someone asked me recently, “When was the first time you suspected that Evie had autism?” “The
Introducing children with Down syndrome in the classroom: Free take home sheet PDF download The following letter is part of the take home sheet I give to Polly’s class every year. I visit the classroom, read a book, and talk to the children about Down syndrome. It’s always a great time, and a fabulous way to promote inclusion. Kids feel much more comfortable if they can talk about things. They ask questions, I do my best
Down syndrome adoption … four years in “Ma ma ma ma ma,” I place my palm flat against my face and pat my lips, take my daughter Evangeline’s soft, doughy hand in mine, and do it with her. “Ma ma ma ma ma.” She likes it. So I do it again. Evangeline is non-verbal, but she will mumble sounds from time to time. I yearn to hear her say “ma.” We lie in her bed
6 things a mom struggling with depression can do to start the day off better Okay, here is something I am thinking about this morning. I am a mom struggling with depression. Mornings can be difficult. I usually shy away from posts about ‘things to do to fight depression’, because depression is so individual, and those of us who have it, frankly, get tired of ‘advice.’ But what I am about to share has helped