​What is Autism…What is Down Syndrome

It’s a question that we as parents get asked often. What is it? How? And what do you do now?

The how is the unknown and what do you do now can vary from diagnosis to diagnosis.
 
However, early intervention is key and finding the right team of therapists can be challenging.  

In another blog we’ll go in detail as to what worked for us and what we continue to do for our boys. 
 
As for the What…Google states the following:
 
Autism:
noun
a developmental disorder of variable severity that is characterized by difficulty in social interaction and communication and by restricted or repetitive patterns of thought and behavior.
 
Down Syndrome
noun
a congenital disorder arising from a chromosome defect, causing intellectual impairment and physical abnormalities including short stature and a broad facial profile. It arises from a defect involving chromosome 21, usually an extra copy (trisomy-21).
 
For us it’s just one of the many characteristics of our sons. Autism or Down Syndrome is only one part of who they are and it doesn’t define them in any shape or form. 
 
It is simply a label and yes, such a label will open doors to support, therapies and government funding for some in Ontario. 
 
For us we define the what differently. 
 
How do we define Autism and Down Syndrome?

• It’s a journey we never expected but wouldn’t change for the world. 
• It means that love needs no words. 
• It’s seeing the world in a different way. 
• It’s a little bit of extra that we love. 
• It’s seeing the ability not the disability. 

 
Most importantly is loving our boys unconditionally and doing everything in our power including advocating with a loud voice to get them the support they deserve and a chance to succeed and be independent. 
 
Your Turn:
How do you define Autism and Down Syndrome?

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