Dreams for our kids really can come true!

In 1999, when my daughter was born, the doctors told us to get ready to choose an institution. That she would never learn or live a meaningful life.

Having little to no experience with individuals with special needs, I started to read. In the six days we were in hospital following her birth, I read article after article about Down syndrome and a book, that my mum and dad brought to me, Babies with Down Syndrome: A New Parents’ Guide.

Everything I read, was positive, uplifting and gave me hope in the space of fear, sadness, and uncertainty. We brought our baby girl home.

It wasn’t easy. With a two-year-old son and countless appointments for my daughter, there was no way I could return to work. What organization would be tolerant of the time off required to ensure my daughter’s development and health wouldn’t suffer? I was overwhelmed with trying to maintain a calendar of appointments, follow through with the exercises, stretches, equipment to enhance development and trying to ensure my son didn’t get left out.

Much time was spent with the unsung heroes of my daughter’s development and well-being. Cardiologist, dermatologist, developmental pediatrician, endocrinologist, family physician, geneticist, home-care visitors, nurses, occupational therapist, ophthalmologist, optometrist, otolaryngologist, pediatrician, physiotherapist, social worker, speech therapist…I’m sure I’m missing some!

Over the months, the new normal began to show progress. My daughter began sitting on her own, babbling, laughing at her brother’s antics, moving to music and delighting everyone with her beautiful, toothless smile!

Fast forward a few years — at the end of this year, my daughter will be leaving high school. The prep work for the transition started three years ago, but there are many things that can’t be put in place until she actually leaves high school. What now? What does my daughter’s life look like? What does she want? How do I ensure she has opportunities that come so easily to others? How do I navigate a complex sea of organizations, paperwork, forms, applications and interviews? How will I keep her safe? What is best for her? So many questions.

Opportunities are not easily come by in the same way they are for our typically developing adult children. The hardest thing I ever explained to her was replying to her desire to want to drive a car; to be able to get places in her very own shiny car.

What my daughter wants is to live on her own. To be independent. To have a job. Friends. A boyfriend. Friendships and a sense of belonging is so important for her, especially as we get older and eventually pass on, leaving her in this world without our physical support.

Throughout high school, she has been able to experience job placements, worked with me in my business, and more recently, our local restaurant provided a Saturday morning placement where she could go and learn how to interact with and be a part of a team. Over the past year, she learned a wide variety of tasks, impressing the owner, manager, staff and clientele, with her ability, willingness to learn, hard work and sweet nature.

Last week, the manager of that restaurant called, offering her a paid position. She earned it; a step towards the independence she seeks. I couldn’t be prouder of her for her perseverance and overcoming so many developmental milestones that just happen naturally for most others. I am grateful to the people who believe in my daughter’s potential. I am grateful to the many doctors, service providers, teachers, EA’s, community organizations and service clubs that have touched our lives, shown us the way, and answered our questions with honesty and integrity.

To the doctors who told us she wouldn’t lead a meaningful life…my mother taught me, “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”

Caroline Davidson, The Functioning Executive

Written by

With extensive experience in administration, Caroline enjoys seeing her clients excel with the support of her professional, creative and organized skills.

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