What Do Special-Needs Kids Actually Need?

Hannah Tennant-Moore

At the Republican National Convention, Sarah Palin promised “the
parents of special-needs children all across this country” that, if elected vice-president, she would be their
advocate. Since this is an issue that has not come up in any other presidential
election, many Americans don’t know what Palin’s promise entails. What exactly,
Slate asks, do parents need in order to help care for their special-needs children?

Babies like Trig (pictured), who has Down syndrome, don’t really need
special care; they just need baby care for a longer period of time than other
children since their development is slower. For instance, many babies with Down
syndrome don’t walk or sit up on their own until they are two.

Breastfeeding–which is strongly encouraged for mothers of
babies with Down syndrome–is more difficult, since babies like Trig frequently
fall asleep and have less control of the muscles in their mouths. And frequent doctor visits are required throughout the childhood
of all special-needs children, as well as regular physical therapy and
pre-speech sessions.

Hmmm, think Palin will support universal healthcare?

Photo: USA Today