Wednesday, November 7, 2012

"We all can dance" Canadian Down Syndrome Awareness Week

This is my last post for Canadian Down Syndrome Awareness week.  After this week of posts plus a back to back attempt at  31 for 21, I think I'm ready for a short break! I saved this post for the last day because I think it is fitting.  I hope you enjoy it!

I randomly picked this book at the library a few weeks ago.   The picture looked cute & K had been reading a nonfiction book about giraffes, so I thought it would be fun to read a fictional story too. I had no idea what a wonderful message this book would have.



How often do you hear that kids with Down syndrome can't do_____________? If you have been reading my blog for very long, you probably realize that I have no patience for people who put limitations on my daughter's abilities.
 for
Gerald the Giraffe would love to be able to dance like the other animals, but is discouraged because  he is so clumsy.

A wise cricket helps Gerald realize that he can dance just as beautifully 
as the other animals, he "just needs a different song"



Isn't that a great message? my daughter's healthy diet, the early learning we have done as well as the neurodevelopmental program the we have done with K have allowed her to dance far beyond the what would be expected of a 5 year old with an extra chromosome, & in some areas, far beyond a typical 5 year old with the usual 46. She is dancing, she is soaring & she is singing along as the music plays!

I recently got a chance to go for coffee with a mom who I've previously only met on line. I admire this other mom for her dedication & energy to not only her daughter's well being but towards other DS projects. She is a great support to others & is helping to get a lot of information out to other parents & to bring them together.

My friend's daughter is also doing a neurodevelopmental program & while she believes it is beneficial, the biggest results she sees haven't been from her neurodevelomental program.  The various supplements & vitamins her daughter uses have made a much bigger difference in her development. 

I'm sure the "music", whether it be a neurodevelopmental program, vitamins, a diet free of gluten, dairy,  a certain therapy or therapist etc, is different for every child,  but I believe every child, with or without an extra chromosome, can dance, we just need to help them find the music that they love!

2 comments:

  1. That does sound like a great lesson! Oh, and congratulations on making it all the way through Canadian DS Awareness Week!

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