Five Friday Features

1. Did you see my guest post for These Broken Vases on Monday? No, then head on over to read my activity suggestions for children with Down syndrome. While you're there, be sure to browse the rest of Ellen's blog and her website, too. I especially love her writing prompts. They are always thought provoking and give a jump start if you're having a bout of writer's block.
2. Looking for some last minute Thanksgiving craft ideas? I love these Gratitude Turkeys from Modern Parents Messy Kids. No Time for Flashcards also has a fun 3D Handprint Turkey Craft.
3. Therapists, are you interested in receiving a free game? Of course you are! Blue Orange Games is giving a free Spot It! game to the first 200 therapists to sign up for their newsletter. This is a great game to work on visual scanning skills. Click here to enter
4. Why listening is so much more than hearing. Interesting article in the New York Times.
5. And on the topic of hearing, what does sensory overload sound like? If you only click on one of my links this week, this should be the one! Thank you NPR for bringing this fantastic video to my attention!

Looking for therapy tips for children with Down syndrome?

Then head on over to Ellen Stumbo's blog, These Broken Vases, to read my tips!

Ellen is a writer, a pastor's wife, and the mother of three girls, one with Down syndrome and one with cerebral palsy. While you're visiting, be sure to browse the rest of Ellen's blog to read heartfelt stories about her family.

Thanks so much for having me, Ellen!

Five Friday Features

1. This week I came across this iPad stylus on Amazon:

I like how small it looks. Seems perfect for little hands. Has anyone tried this stylus?

2. I read this very informative article: Swallowing and feeding in infants and young children. It's a few years old, but a must read for any therapist who provides feeding therapy or is interested in being a feeding therapist. Big thanks to My Munch Bug for sharing this!

3. Did you know that October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month? If you haven't visited Kelle Hampton's blog, Enjoying the Small Things, then you must! Her photography is beautiful and her writing is heartwarming. She has two articles on Disney's Baby Zone in celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Life After Down Syndrome and 10 Things I Learned About Down Syndrome will give you a taste of Kelle's writing and photography.

4. I love this program at CSU that partners mentors with college students with disabilities. As more and more students with disabilities enter college there will be a significant need for programs like this. Occupational Therapy programs are greatly equipped to provide these services. I hope more schools will follow suit!

5. If you haven't already entered, you have until next Wednesday to enter the giveaway for a pair of Easy Tie Shoelaces. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post!

A Parent's Perspective - We Can Do All Things

Today we have Sandra, from We Can Do All Things, joining us to share a peek into her life with her adorable daughter, Adeline, who has Down syndrome.

Our life in five words:

Life in our home is busy. We are a homeschool family, so our house is always filled with activity. Since Adeline has joined our family, I believe she has taught us even more about joy, hope, and anticipation for the future.

Four qualities I look for in a therapist:

1. Understands Down syndrome.
2. Works well with children.
3. Is willing to involve me in the therapy process and share information with me.
4. Will respect my child as a person, not a diagnosis.

Three resources I can't live without:

Adeline's books
Brillkids Little Readers
A yoga ball

Two words (or more!) of advice for a therapist working with a child with Down syndrome:

1. Learn as much new research as possible.
2. While it is important to understand Down syndrome, my daughter is an individual. Every child with Down syndrome learns and progresses differently.
3. Please have fun with my little girl. While her treatment is important to me, I also want her to enjoy her therapy time.
4. Please respect the decisions of the family. Sometimes a family may make a different decision than what you feel is best.
5. Please use people first language.

 

A word of advice for the parents of a child newly diagnosed with Down syndrome: