Caring for a child with special needs can be difficult but thankfully there are so many organisations out there to support people in this position. One mum has been applauded after bravely admitting she’s scared for the future of her baby with Down’s syndrome
Down’s syndrome is a condition in which a person is born with an extra chromosome. They determine how a baby’s body forms and functions as it grows during pregnancy and after birth.
While people with Down’s syndrome will have some level of learning disability, the resources and support available now mean many of those with this condition can live bright, full, and independent lives – no different to someone without it.
That being said, it’s perfectly natural for a parent to want their child to be as healthy as possible. One mother has been applauded after she bravely admitted she feels devastated because her daughter has Down’s syndrome, confessing that she’s grieving for the life she wanted her to have.
Read more: Sign up to Mirror US’s SMS updates for the latest straight from the newsroom
Taking to social media to voice her pain, she wrote: “First of all, don’t get me wrong. I love my baby but I feel like I’m mourning a child I thought I would have. This is my third and last baby and we had no idea she would be born with Down’s syndrome.
“No tests or ultrasounds showed anything ‘wrong’. I was the one who noticed it and now I regret bringing it up to the doctors. Maybe I could’ve just got to enjoy her for a little while longer until someone else noticed instead of thinking about it every time I hold her.
“My oldest is autistic, nonverbal, etc. my middle child is neurotypical but will probably start hating me when he starts to feel pushed to the side. I’m only in my twenties so how did this even happen to me? Why didn’t any tests show anything? Why didn’t I have a choice like everyone else?
“I feel horrible writing that and I couldn’t imagine not having her now but still. The only thing I see when I think about our future is me walking hand in hand with my two adult special needs children and everyone staring.”
People reading the heartbreaking post urged the mum to seek out a support group and get therapy for her family. One person advised: “Where I’m from there are organizations who support families with kids who have Down’s syndrome, among other developmental disabilities in children. My friend had the same situation as you, no indication of Down’s at all until birth and she described similar feelings.
“She’s heavily involved in groups and as such, gets her friends (me) involved. They are a cool organizations that teach families how to adapt and enjoy this part of their family. They put on events, help get the right support for families and help raise awareness and inclusion. If there is something similar where you are, they might be a good fit.”
Another user replied: “It’s okay to grieve. When my nephew was diagnosed with autism my sister-in-law was crying (not gonna lie I shed a tear) not because he has autism but because his life would be so different from how we all envisioned for him.
For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US.
“Not worse, just different. New challenges, different experiences and a whole new world of stigma and discrimination we didn’t know he would have to face. Grieving what you thought your child would experience in life is okay.”
And one dad shared his own experience, writing: “Father of a child with serious disabilities here. I don’t have much to offer other than to let you know you aren’t alone. It will be hard, there is no denying that. There will be good things and joy too, though.
“My daughter’s situation is very difficult for our family and has completely changed our lives. Even so, she is the happiest, sweetest, brightest light to everyone around her. Keep breathing.”
If this story has affected you, please visit the Down’s Syndrome Association which supports people who have Down’s syndrome, and their parents and carers, throughout their lives. From before birth into older age, the DSA provides services to everyone.
Do you have a story to share? Email [email protected]
