| There are Federal and state programs to provide | | | | difficulties for the family. There are Federal and |
| assistance to individuals with Down Syndrome and | | | | state programs to help with the medical needs of |
| their families. The earlier an individual with Down | | | | children affected by Down Syndrome. They may |
| Syndrome starts getting assistance the better off | | | | also be eligible for Social Security Income, known |
| they will be. Most children with Down Syndrome | | | | as SSI. This is a monthly financial payment to the |
| are developmentally delayed, so getting them | | | | family from the Federal government. Those |
| assistance early on will help prevent the time span | | | | eligible for SSI are automatically eligible for medical |
| of such delays. | | | | coverage as well. |
| Schools have aids to assist children with disabilities | | | | There are many wonderful organizations out |
| including Down Syndrome. They can often be in | | | | there to help families affected by Down |
| regular classes but may need special one on one | | | | Syndrome. Some like the March of Dimes work |
| attention to help them grasp the concepts. | | | | to continue research to prevent future cases of |
| Children with Down Syndrome often struggle to | | | | Down Syndrome. Others including the National |
| keep up with the fast pace of most school | | | | Down Syndrome Society work to provide |
| curriculums. | | | | information and referrals for support to families. |
| Many families experience stress with the arrival of | | | | The efforts of these programs, along with the |
| a baby with Down Syndrome. It is very important | | | | assistance of dedicated parents, and an educated |
| that they become educated in the assistance | | | | society have lead to many great opportunities for |
| available to their family and where to find it. | | | | those with Down Syndrome. |
| Counseling and support groups for the entire | | | | Having a child with Down Syndrome can be |
| family are very helpful. This is a great way to | | | | disappointing, but with the right information and |
| help your family express their anger, fears, and | | | | assistance, you and your family can learn to |
| concerns with having an individual with Down | | | | adjust to the changes. Most individuals with Down |
| Syndrome in the family. Counseling can make the | | | | Syndrome are still able to live a normal, happy life |
| family bond much stronger than before. | | | | if they have had an opportunity to learn basic |
| Since over half of those with Down Syndrome | | | | skills and get an education if they get the help |
| experience heart troubles, adequate medical | | | | they need early in life. |
| attention is essential. This can lead to financial | | | | |