It is a difficult task to care for disabled people, no matter what their age is.However, caring for them helps us to appreciate our own gifts. We can also gain humility, patience, and understanding. We never know what will befall us in this life.

Patsy, lovely comment. Yes, you bring out some insights that I did not think of before. But it is one thing to care for someone who becomes disabled (i completely agree we don't know what will befall us), and another thing to bring someone who is disabled into this world - because in the latter case the new life will have to sufer all his life.. because he/she never had a chance.

It's hard, there is no doubt about that but people with down syndrome can actually live relatively normal lives and some of them are even able to live by themselves with someone stopping by and helping them every day.
I think we underestimate their intelligence and the fact that they can still be happy and have good lives despite of having down syndrome.

Children with Down's syndrome are often thehappiest people in society...they have the mindset of a chold who enjoys the simpliicity of life. Chances of a down's syndrome child outliving the parents is not high.. and there are groups/schools/places wh take care of them.
My personal experience around people with downs...made me realize the gift of unconditional love bestowed upon the mother&

#2 bestowed upon the family to be aboe to have that child.. the siblings grow in compassion & truly feel blessed it was not them.

Where are u from? Here in Australia ppl with any kind of disability are "looked after". i have a step sister who has Downs s, and she has intergrated into society-- going to work and living with a housemate. She does get support but it is minimal. Unless a parent has a baby with a disability only they could ever know wot its like and really search into their hearts to know what to do.

I sincerely understand what you are saying. And I respect you for thinking about it. Had client once who was fully spastic cerebral palsy.40yrs old, could do nothing for himself. I learned more from him and his beautiful personality than hundreds of other people combined.Everything on this Earth has a purpose, even an MR child. Thanks dear.

Thanks for your nice reply. I think after hearing so many people talk about it and speak of compassion and love.. I am changing my stand on it... thanks you so much.

Actually in US it is not the case. You are pretty much on your own.. state does not provide anything. Reason I was concerned was many times I see mothers who have kids at older age and five months into pregnancy they find the child has problem. It is a tough call then. But thanks for your lovely reply. Al lthe replies here are making me rethink my stance.

Patsy, as you will see in my responses.. I think I am beginning to think again about this strong statement..Yes, you are right, perhaps compassion and love and patience is what one learns from these situations. I was perhaps speaking from a selfish perspective. All of you a big thanks!