Living Alone With Down Syndrome

With recent advances in medical technology, children with Down syndrome are living longer and well into adulthood. Year ago, children with Down syndrome would live to be only in their mid twenties to early thirties. Now, they can live to be well into their forties. With these children living well into adulthood, there are new issues that are arising about employment, independence, health care, and families. Adults with Down syndrome have hopes and dreams just as regular people do. The question remains about how to help them feel like they are productive citizens in society while still receiving the assistance that they will inevitably require.

Many children with Down syndrome grow up wanting to have families of their own and to be married. While many Down syndrome people do get married, they still need someone to keep track of their health care, finances, and other adult related issues. Since men with Down's are typically infertile, children are not usually an issue. However, from the sexuality standpoint, women with Down's are fertile and if they do get pregnant there is a 50% chance that the baby will have Down syndrome as well. The woman would have to be impregnated by a man without Down syndrome in order to conceive.

The best way for caregivers to handle the adult Down syndrome child is to provide them with as much independence as possible while still providing guidance. Many parents report that independence is a constant struggle because the adult child wants more freedom than what they are capable of handling. There are many advocate centers where the adult child can go for interaction and sometimes-even employment. Many times these centers have transportation that will pick up the Down syndrome adult and take them to their employment as well as other events. Many times, they can get their medical care at the all-inclusive center with the parents being notified of all medical information relating to the adult child. This can be a good way for the adult child to feel independent and like they are taking care of themselves while the parent is still in charge and providing guidance and care. Church is another area where the adult child can have freedom. Many churches have adults with Down syndrome classes and provide transportation as well. Allowing the adult child to choose the church and attend there alone can provide a much-needed dose of freedom.

The adult child can also join a support group where there are other adult Down syndrome members. They do need the interaction with people who are like themselves as well as the need to talk to others who are going through the same issues as them. Many times these support groups have meetings for the parents as well.

Housing options such as group homes or independent living centers, work programs, and recreation activities can give adults with Down syndrome the independence they crave and desire with the guidance the require. With appropriate ongoing medical care and support, adults with Down syndrome can lead productive lives.

Recommended Reading

1. Positive Characteristics In People With Down Syndrome - In a recent survey of parents who have children with Down syndrome, they reported that when they were notified of...
2. Down Syndrome And Sources Of Uncertainty For Families - While initially, the diagnosis of Down syndrome for a child brings fear and uncertainty to the family, eventually the parents...
3. Parenting A Child With Down Syndrome - Parents want to feel like they are successful at their parenting. To be a success is to be successfully meeting...
4. Disability For Down Syndrome Children And Adults - Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a benefit that is provided by the federal government for children under the age of...
5. Resources For Parents Raising Down Syndrome Children - Throughout the time period a person is raising a child with Down syndrome, there will be a need for various...