Teaching sign language to kids with Down syndrome is common. So I know this opinion may ruffle some feathers. But I believe there that may be a negative side to teaching sign language. Particularly to the extent that it is often used to replace verbal language for younger children with Down syndrome.
A few months back, I read the BEST simple explanation about thyroid function and why checking only TSH and T4 is not enough. Most importantly, why TSH and T4 alone may not be the right way to choose treatment if medication is needed.
In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, I want to share my views on the three pieces of advice that you CAN IGNORE after receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis for your child.
Can you imagine a doctor showing up to surgery without knowing how to operate, but still going to the operating room to give it a good effort? That doctor simply operating and hoping for the best? As crazy as this sounds, this sort of medical care is what MANY mothers of children with Down syndrome face daily when taking their children to the pediatrician.
Have you ever heard “Babies need to learn to self-sooth”. That’s the premise behind “cry it out”. Well, I am here to tell you that allowing your kid to cry it out may have terrible long term effects. And I am not sharing this to shame anybody. I am sharing this because we can only do better when we know better.
When Lennox was about one and a half, I bumped into a lady that complimented him for how verbal he was. I told her that I spoke to him all the time and he seemed to really be passionate about language. She then told me about a book called “How to Teach Your Baby to Read”. I asked her about the author and put all the info as a note in my phone.
The book is FASCINATING. I highly encouraged you to read the book, but here are a few points summarizing what the program is all about.
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