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Author Archives: Debbie

Over the years I've worn many hats, but the hat of mother is one of my most special. I am not a perfect mother. I make many mistakes, but I have my share of triumphs also. When our youngest daughter came along, she came with a little something extra: Down syndrome. That's when the hat of advocator was added to my hat box. It's a hat I try to honor every day and one I like to share with others to let them know they are not alone.

Have You Tried Sign Language

Written on March 17, 2011 by Debbie

16 Comments

Sign language seems to be the current cure-all for those dealing with speech issues with their children. You are bombarded with it either for your toddler who is just learning to talk or for your child whose speech is delayed. In the beginning I had a positive attitude about sign language. I introduced it to…

in Communication, Dealing With Public Perceptions, Speech Language Pathology

- 16 Comments

It Will Come

Written on March 10, 2011 by Debbie

18 Comments

“It will come.” Three simple words meant as encouragement. Meant to give hope. They don’t. In fact, often they are received as a dismissal. As a means of telling me it’s not a big deal. Because I know this phrase is not meant in the way I perceive it, I simply smile and say, “I…

in Communication, Day In And Day Out, Speech Language Pathology

- 18 Comments

People First?

Written on February 24, 2011 by Debbie

20 Comments

Since I’m on the subject of pet peeves I figure I’ll cover another issue that’s not really a pet peeve of mine, but something I’m curious about other’s opinion. In last week’s post, I wrote about the proper term for individuals with Trisomy 21. It was pointed out to me that in England and Canada…

in Day In And Day Out, Raising Awareness

- 20 Comments

It’s Down syndrome

Written on February 17, 2011 by Debbie

14 Comments

It’s a pet peeve of mine. I’m not really sure why. Perhaps it’s because technically it is incorrect, even if it is common use. But every time I see or hear it, I cringe. When Peanut was born, I barely knew what Down syndrome was, much less why it was called that. In fact, many…

in Down Syndrome

- 14 Comments

Sleeping Positions

Written on February 10, 2011 by Debbie

5 Comments

She can find the craziest place and ways to sleep!

in Day In And Day Out

- 5 Comments

Friendships: The Lunch Bunch

Written on February 3, 2011 by Debbie

8 Comments

The beginning of a friendship is innocent and fun. But as time goes on and we let down our guard we have to learn to accept others, faults and all or choose to move on. For a person with Down syndrome or other special needs, it is sometimes difficult to even begin the process. Others…

in Day In And Day Out, Education, Skill Development

- 8 Comments

Bragging Rights

Written on January 13, 2011 by Debbie

4 Comments

This year my oldest daughter entered high school. The school had several orientation meetings for parents and students about what they could expect in the upcoming years. At the beginning of these meetings the principal would get up and say a few words about the school’s academic record and how well the students have done…

in Dealing With Public Perceptions, Developmentally Delayed, Education, Learning Disabilities

- 4 Comments

Too Many Friends?

Written on December 30, 2010 by Debbie

6 Comments

When Peanut was born, we immediately contacted our local Down syndrome guild. When Peanut was a mere two weeks old, I attended my first Mom’s Night Out with other moms of children with Down syndrome. Very quickly I enveloped myself in the world of parents of children with special needs and found comfort in knowing…

in Down Syndrome, Me Time, Resources, Support

- 6 Comments

Merry Christmas

Written on December 23, 2010 by Debbie

0 Comments

From our house to yours.

in Day In And Day Out, Holidays

- 0 Comments