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The birth of a baby with congenital deformities adds a new challenge for devoted parents. The possibility of intellectual handicap is probably the most difficult to accept. Medical problems that can be managed or cured with appropriate surgery are not so hard to cope with. The possibility of having a disturbed child showing unusual behavior or a learning handicap tests the faith of a new mother or father to the utmost. Fortunately, there are many agencies prepared to assist with this adjustment.

Many physicians are versed in the medical needs of these children, and can give direction to agencies that provide learning skills, orthopedic evaluations, and special classes for the handicapped, deaf, or blind child. Although public health services, voluntary health agencies, and other governmental programs are usually available to give aid, the influence and assistance that a church may render should never be overlooked. Parents will need guidance and support, but should determine to accept the child as an individual, despite his or her limitations. This will not only set an excellent example for others in the community, but can also serve to bring out lasting desirable qualities in the siblings, if they are assured of their share of the parent’s time and attention and interest.

Although institutional care is sponsored by most states to provide for the seriously involved child, home care wherever possible is without question the most beneficial. Especially during infancy and early childhood, a devoted mother or father can enable the handicapped child to develop maximally at every stage. Even severely disabled children can profit from tender loving care at home. Mongoloid (Down’ s syndrome) children, in particular, have a much greater potential if given good care in the average home than when placed in an institution from birth. With guidance, most families can handle their children’s needs. The rewards to such parents are lasting, with character imprints that make it well worth every sacrifice.

Risk of Down’s Syndrome Based on Age
Maternal age Risk of Down’s in Liveborn
At birth second trimester
25 1:1887 1:1250
32 1:563 1:794
35 1:274 1:386
39 1:100 1:141
45 1:20 1:39
49 NA 1:11
(from Creasy, RK, Resnik R: Maternal-Fetal Medicine: Principles and Practice, 2nd ed., Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders, 1989.)

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