Why I Decided To Pursue Special Education
Nicole Pannella
Parent Interview
I decided to interview a family friend whose son, Christopher, was pretty much diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth. Being a family friend, I have been around Christopher on occasion for a few years now. His big smiles and hugs or silly dances can brighten up anyone’s day. In fact he is one of the reasons I decided to peruse special education. Christopher was first officially diagnosed with Down syndrome upon being born. Alyssa, mother of Chris, told that she and her husband had no idea that their son would be born with this disability. She said the doctors had indicated that he had a heart defect, but there were no other signs pointing to her son having Downs. Chris being born prematurely was placed in the NICU for precautionary measures. The doctor soon after shared some concerns relating to a couple of markers that Christopher was showing. “ They took a blood sample and sent it off for testing to confirm the possible diagnosis,” says Alyssa. The test came back positive for having Down syndrome. I personally can imagine this moment being very upsetting for any parent, a new parent especially. No one necessarily wants their child to have any sort of disability but if put in this kind of situation the parent will express no less love for that child, and frankly, “the bliss and joy of having a child outweighs anything felt in that sad moment.” Alyssa said she knew at times taking care of Christopher would be hard, but it was all worth it. Alyssa had the loving support of her family and close friends especially her one friend Joanne, who also has a son with Down syndrome; she told me that this made everything a little easier. “ I knew early intervention was essential for my son,” Alyssa states. I now know this as well having learned about many disabilities and the crucial developmental stages in a child’s early years. The first years of life are a critical time for development; children go through the most rapid and
Parent Interview
I decided to interview a family friend whose son, Christopher, was pretty much diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth. Being a family friend, I have been around Christopher on occasion for a few years now. His big smiles and hugs or silly dances can brighten up anyone’s day. In fact he is one of the reasons I decided to peruse special education. Christopher was first officially diagnosed with Down syndrome upon being born. Alyssa, mother of Chris, told that she and her husband had no idea that their son would be born with this disability. She said the doctors had indicated that he had a heart defect, but there were no other signs pointing to her son having Downs. Chris being born prematurely was placed in the NICU for precautionary measures. The doctor soon after shared some concerns relating to a couple of markers that Christopher was showing. “ They took a blood sample and sent it off for testing to confirm the possible diagnosis,” says Alyssa. The test came back positive for having Down syndrome. I personally can imagine this moment being very upsetting for any parent, a new parent especially. No one necessarily wants their child to have any sort of disability but if put in this kind of situation the parent will express no less love for that child, and frankly, “the bliss and joy of having a child outweighs anything felt in that sad moment.” Alyssa said she knew at times taking care of Christopher would be hard, but it was all worth it. Alyssa had the loving support of her family and close friends especially her one friend Joanne, who also has a son with Down syndrome; she told me that this made everything a little easier. “ I knew early intervention was essential for my son,” Alyssa states. I now know this as well having learned about many disabilities and the crucial developmental stages in a child’s early years. The first years of life are a critical time for development; children go through the most rapid and