Adopting or Fostering a Child with Down Syndrome

Creating a Family: Talk about Adoption, Foster & Kinship Care

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Are you considering adopting or fostering a child with Down Syndrome? Join our conversation with Dr. Sara Williams, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. She provides developmental evaluations and follow-up care for children with a variety of neurodevelopmental disabilities, including in the Thomas Center for Down Syndrome.
In this episode, we discuss:

What is Down syndrome?
How common is it?
What are the different types of Down syndrome? Is genetic testing routinely done when Down syndrome is suspected?
What are some of the common physical traits of a person with Down syndrome?
What are the common developmental disabilities caused by this disorder?
What are the common intellectual disabilities caused by this disorder?
Is there a way to know in advance how intellectually impacted a child may be?
Do the symptoms differ depending on the type of Down syndrome the child has?
What are the common mental health issues that people with this disorder may exhibit?
What are some ways to determine the degree of impact if you adopt a child past infancy?
Interventions that can help.
How do these kids fit within the school system? What is the school system required to do?
What are the common medical conditions that may accompany trisomy 21?
What is the life expectancy of a person with Down syndrome?
Is there a medical specialty that those considering adopting or fostering a child with Down syndrome should seek out?
What are some common mental health issues and behavioral issues that may be more common in people with Down syndrome?
How to find mental health and behavioral treatment for children and adults with Down syndrome?
How does trauma interact with Down syndrome?
Is attachment difficult for kids with Down syndrome who have experienced trauma?
Are people with Down syndrome able to live independently in adulthood?
What makes a difference in the prognosis for children with Down syndrome?
Why should people consider adopting or fostering a child with Down syndrome?

Resources:

National Down Syndrome Society (list of specialized centers)
Global Down Syndrome
Reece’s Rainbow
- National Down Syndrome Adoption Network
- Project Search
Understanding Down Syndrome
American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Report: Health Supervision for Children With Down Syndrome

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Please leave us a rating or review. This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.
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