RAISING JOEY

31 for 21, October 19th

Siblings and Down syndrome

I often think about the future when Joey, Leah, and Aiden are older, and how they possibly mightb react to Joey having Down syndrome. This obviously won’t be the case for several more years, if ever.

I’ve talked to many parents who have older children and their children really never had a problem with their sibling having Down syndrome. They don’t see a difference with their brother or sister but sometimes, they need a little information and support.

Below are some websites parents might find useful for their children.

-What the other children are thinking: Brothers and sisters of persons with Down syndrome. By Dr. Brian Skotko
-We’ll Paint the Octopus Red by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen
-The Best Worst Brother by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen
-Our Brother Has Down Syndrome by Shelley Cairo
-Life is far from ordinary for these kids. Teens talk candidly about growing up with a sibling who has special needs. By Gail Rosenblum, The Star Tribune
-Down’s Syndrome Association’s publication on Siblings & Down syndrome.
-The Other Kid