My four year old sister was diagnosed with Down syndrome. We are both of Mexican-American descent. Our parents were recently deported back to Mexico and due to the fact that I am 25 years old, I was granted primary custody of my four year old sister, Isabella. I am currently in the Reserves which allows me to provide for not only myself but Isabella as well. I am off during the week and work part time on the weekends. Being a caregiver for a person with Down syndrome has its struggles, as well as its rewards.
Down Syndrome.
Down syndrome is a congenital disorder that is caused by a chromosome deficiency and results in an intellectual impairment as well and some physical abnormalities. Some abnormalities include a single line on the palm of the hand, short stature as well as a wide facial profile. There are different types of Down syndrome and in this case Isabella suffers from trisomy-21 which is caused by a defect with chromosomes 21and typically makes an extra copy. (Dierrsan, 2013). Those with Down syndrome have poor muscle tissue as well a higher risk for heart problems which may result in early death. Down syndrome causes children like Isabella to be developmentally disabled and while she may be four years old her mind is of a two year old which why her outburst are extremely intense at times. As she gets older she will continue to be delayed. This does not mean she and other children like her are not smart or cannot be successful they just completed task a different way and at a different pace.
Caregiving Context.
Currently I am the primary caregiver for my sister Isabella after our parents were deported back to Mexico. We live in a small one bedroom apartment in San Diego, CA. my boyfriend also lives with us and acts as a tertiary caregiver due to the fact he will help out occasionally while I am at work. Although Isabella is four years old because of her disability it is more like she is two years or even younger.
