I want a baby with down syndrome..?

Question

I really want to have a child. Lately I've been thinking, I really want a down syndrome child. Please don't get me wrong, I'd never do ANYTHING to harm my child or cause birth defects if I got pregnant, but I was thinking about adopting a child with down syndrome. It may sound controversial, but they're already born, and need good loving homes. I've worked with alot of down syndrome kids and I find them to be the sweetest, greatest kids around and I think it'd be a true blessing to raise such a child. Is there any organzations/adoption agencies that specialize in special needs children? How would I go about finding them, and what would I need to do to adopt one? I'm willing to take classes, or do anything that needs to be done to prepare my home for a special needs baby. Where do I begin? Also, if you have first hand experience in raising a child with down syndrome, I'd like to hear it. I've spent alot of time with these kids but obviously raising one is a different story

Answer 1

Hi Sasha! I am a mom to a little boy with DS. my son is the sweetest...most mischievious....little boy I know and each day is an adventure. I have never raised him any different than my other two sons..I still expect the same from him as his older brothers...but I know with him it will take a bit longer to accomplish some of his goals...that is where patience comes into affect. the only thing that is really different about raising a child with special needs (that I have found out so far) is dealing with all the physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and other medical issues (my son had open heart surgery to repair a defect at 4 months old...scariest time of my life!) but he still does alot of things other 4 1/2 yr olds can do... he is in early intervention preschool through our school district and will be going into 4 yr old regular kindergarten next fall.  this past weekend he called me "momma" for the first time and I cried I was so proud of him.  he is my joy and the sunshine in my soul!!!!

I see and hear of so many women wanting to abort or give their child up when they find out it may have down syndrome and it breaks my heart because they will be missing out on having a great child one that will only fill their life with happiness and love just because they have misconceptions about down syndrome and are affraid. I applaud you for wanting to bring a child with down syndrome into your family.

I belong to a group here on yahoo called families with down syndrome kids and family right now in the group is going through the adoption process, you might want to check it out and post your questions there...the families are wonderful and very helpful and may point you in the direction you need.  good luck!!!!!! =)

jule

Answer 2

I would highly suggest that you find a support group for parents with children with Downs Syndrome and see what their live is really like. I have worked with a lot of individuals with Downs Sydrome and they aren't easy, let alone raising them and being responsible for them 24 hours a day. I think what you want to do is admirable, but don't let their jovial disposition fool you.

Answer 3

thats lovely!  In Australia there are not many children put up for adoption so when I was looking at adoption due to fertility issues, I researched inter-country adoption.  I was broken hearted by the numbers of SN kids in places like china who are looking for loving homes.  if you search for china orphans or china adoption etc you will come across them.  some agencies specialise in special needs kids, and some are given priority for adoption and benefits like funding towards their adoption etc, in the hope they will find a home sooner. x

Answer 4

Do what ever your called to do! but understand the risk though.

Answer 5

Raising a child period is not easy to raise a child with down syndrome is for sure not easier,it takes alot of time and patients and you must change you work schedule so I would suggest if you are thinking of raising a child with this illness is that your are married and will be a stay at home mom since you want to devote you life to this.first I think you should study as much as you can about this,If there is a Easter seals where you live maybe you can talk to them,I think the best thing is to follow a parent with down syndrome around and see what there life is like and the changes they had to make.Its a good thing to want to adopt a child with an illness because you think you can make a difference but to wish for you to make 1 does not sound good.

Answer 6

Adopting a special needs child isn't controversial-

conttact your local social services and specify that you are specifically interested in a child with disabilities.

also contact the national association

http://www.nads.org/

Answer 7

You'll find that in America most children placed for adoption have some sort of special need.  A browse of adoption websites will prove that.

Answer 8

I have a little brother with down syndrome and he is absolutely amazing. There is really not much difference between raising a "normal" child and raising a downs child. You just have to be ready for any challenges that come your way. My brother started school a year ago when he was 2 but before that we had an occupational therapist come to our house monthly to work on his fine motor skills and eating habits and stuff like that. The best thing to do when you first get a downs kid is teach them sign language, my brother is now 3 and he can't talk at all yet but he signs everything that he want, I would suggest Signing Time it's the best and Sammy LOVES it. You just have to make sure that you are willing to devote time to him/her and not give up even if they do learn slower than normal.