| The pain experienced by the parents of children with | | | | can be greatly affected when giving care to an |
| various developmental disabilities like Down syndrome | | | | individual that has developmental disabilities. The |
| is something that I can only imagine. As a result of their | | | | expenses that are associated with taking care of |
| undying love, they are able to love these children so | | | | these individuals can be very overwhelming when you |
| much and sometimes more than a normal child. They | | | | consider the many extras that the child might need, |
| still have to face the tremendous odds of struggling | | | | and in some cases the insurance may not be able to |
| daily while administering to the needs of their special | | | | cover them all. In most cases these children suffer |
| child, who may need many hours of therapy and | | | | from periodic breakdown in their health, which then |
| attention. This is most parents do while still taking care | | | | requires immediate medical attention, causing a greater |
| of the other children and performing their routine task. | | | | financial burden on the parents who may be suffering |
| It can be seen clearly that these families have an | | | | from very limited funds. |
| extraordinary courage and strength in showing their | | | | Most of the times these parents may find it difficult to |
| care for these children, in ensuring that they are never | | | | request help, because of the fear that may be |
| made to feel isolated or different from persons outside | | | | embarrassed as a result of doing this. Some also |
| of their family. | | | | believe that it is their problem and it should not be |
| The many sacrifices that they have to make from | | | | forced on another person, regardless of how close to |
| time to time without expressing regret is unbelievable. | | | | the family they are. It therefore means that these |
| They don't appear to miss outings and partings or | | | | other persons will now need to understand and try to |
| even going out and having fun, which are some basic | | | | find ways to help them and without making them feel |
| things that many persons take for granted. The | | | | obligated. IF a couple of friends or relatives were to |
| activities these parents undergo from day to day | | | | contribute in an inconspicuous way, I am confident that |
| involves cooking, cleaning and laundry which may be | | | | the parents would appreciate it. |
| separate from the needs of the child with the | | | | This method of helping can be done in many ways to |
| developmental disabilities. Their needs may include, | | | | not make it seem to obvious. Fund raising events could |
| being taken to therapy classes, or special schools and | | | | be done by the community, with help being supplied |
| various visits to the doctor. While the child is at home, | | | | form the clergy and others. Persons could organize to |
| parents always have to keep a close eye on the child, | | | | give of themselves in other ways in addition to |
| feed him, cuddle him, bathe him and spend many | | | | financially. They could also provide spiritual help or offer |
| sleepless nights watching, worrying and wondering. It is | | | | to spend some time with the child with the disabilities, |
| just unbelievable when you think about the stress that | | | | so the parents could rest and have a day off. In |
| these parents may have to go through having the | | | | whatever way the help is supplied, it would help to |
| knowledge that this is the way it will be until the end. | | | | alleviate some of the burden these parents face. |
| The family's financial state is also another area that | | | | |