Page 637 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 23 March 1993
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DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS WEEK
Ministerial Statement
MR BERRY (Minister for Health, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Sport) (3.05): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement on Down syndrome during this Down Syndrome Awareness Week.
Leave granted.
Mrs Carnell: He has lost it now.
MR BERRY: I had misplaced it for a moment; you are right. Madam Speaker, last Saturday I had the pleasure of launching the ACT week's activities and I believe that there is a lot the community can do to assist those who have Down syndrome to actively participate in all aspects of community life. The ACT Down Syndrome Association is promoting the week and has organised a number of activities in the ACT as part of a national awareness program.
Down syndrome affects approximately one in 600 or 700 babies and is usually diagnosed at birth. It is caused by a chromosomal abnormality and is an irreversible condition. The chance of Down syndrome increases significantly with maternal age. However, now most children are born, along with the majority of births, to younger parents. In addition to the recognisable physical characteristics and delays in development, some babies have additional complications such as congenital heart defects, intestinal problems, respiratory infections, and vision and hearing problems which require medical treatment in the early months and close monitoring and support from health personnel afterwards.
Although children with Down syndrome look similar, as with all children, each child has his or her own personality and behaves in a most individual way. There is also a considerable range of ability amongst individual children with Down syndrome, as there is with all children, and this emerges as the child passes through the various stages of development. Madam Speaker, it is understandably difficult for parents to come to terms with the birth of a baby with Down syndrome. Unexpected and major adjustments have to be made by new parents to accommodate to a new situation made all the more difficult if there is a lack of understanding amongst their families, friends, and the community in general.
The ACT association has produced an information kit to assist new parents. It is personally provided to parents and this contact, together with the kit, has provided much needed support. The kit includes an information booklet and a reading list on Down syndrome and sheets on a range of subjects to help and encourage parents. Some of the areas covered are what to do in the first weeks, breast and bottle feeding, introducing solid food, and other helpful hints. The need for early stimulation and the desirability of starting on an early intervention program are also highlighted, together with information on how to contact the ACT Health Early Intervention Service. Early intervention means an early start in stimulation, and learning should begin soon after the baby is born. The first and most important teachers are the child's parents, who are encouraged to attend the Early Intervention Service as soon as they can. A positive approach, combined with early intervention programs, can result in successful outcomes for children who are now more likely to attend mainstream educational and community programs.
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