October was Down Syndrome Awareness month, but it's never too late for you or your organization to get involved.
Work-life balance has always been a topic of conversation for leaders within organizations. This week on the podcast, I am shining a spotlight on parents raising children with disabilities.
In the wake of Covid-19, we are witnessing women exit the workplace in staggering numbers. Recent surveys report that most women cite work-life balance and the inability to find care for their children. Inadequate childcare impacts many families, but the lack of adequate care can seriously affect the child's progression for families raising children with Down Syndrome.
How can leaders support families?
What is Down Syndrome:
Down Syndrome is a genetic condition affecting a baby's developing body and brain. It occurs when there are three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two, impacting their development both in pregnancy and birth. The result of this extra chromosome can vary --most commonly, the impact is physical and mental developmental delays and health complications.
Challenges:
In the early stages of diagnosis, parents report feeling sad, confused, and even afraid for their child. On the podcast, my guest, Leissa Miller, described her initial feeling as worry:
"I was worried about health issues that he might have due to his disability. And so that scared me. I was scared because I didn't know " other families report feelings of grief.
Children with Down Syndrome can experience some physical issues and may require surgery.
According to a March 2016 article on USA Today, 21 parents raising children with Down Syndrome shared advice for new parents. The participants celebrated the positive impacts their children have made in their lives, the lives of their siblings, and the community as a whole, assuring new parents that things become easier with time.
By understanding some of the unique challenges of these parents, we see how leaders within organizations can create awareness and a culture that lessens the stress of parents --especially mothers, who are predominately tasked with the day-to-day care of children.
Building A Supportive Culture
Leaders can create a workplace culture to help parents manage their workload. For example, employers offering work-from-home options and cross-training between willing peers can help parents manage their workloads.
Organizations may consider partnering with non-profit programs such as GiGi's House. In addition to non-profit programs, most states and local governments have support groups and resources available.
Raising a child with Down Syndrome is no easy feat. From the initial diagnosis to treatment, it's clear that there are many adjustments parents must make. However, having supportive leaders and a workplace culture that is accommodating can make a world of difference.
#worklifebalance #autismawareness #employeesatisfaction
Work-life balance has always been a topic of conversation for leaders within organizations. This week on the podcast, I am shining a spotlight on parents raising children with disabilities.
In the wake of Covid-19, we are witnessing women exit the workplace in staggering numbers. Recent surveys report that most women cite work-life balance and the inability to find care for their children. Inadequate childcare impacts many families, but the lack of adequate care can seriously affect the child's progression for families raising children with Down Syndrome.
How can leaders support families?
What is Down Syndrome:
Down Syndrome is a genetic condition affecting a baby's developing body and brain. It occurs when there are three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two, impacting their development both in pregnancy and birth. The result of this extra chromosome can vary --most commonly, the impact is physical and mental developmental delays and health complications.
Challenges:
In the early stages of diagnosis, parents report feeling sad, confused, and even afraid for their child. On the podcast, my guest, Leissa Miller, described her initial feeling as worry:
"I was worried about health issues that he might have due to his disability. And so that scared me. I was scared because I didn't know " other families report feelings of grief.
Children with Down Syndrome can experience some physical issues and may require surgery.
According to a March 2016 article on USA Today, 21 parents raising children with Down Syndrome shared advice for new parents. The participants celebrated the positive impacts their children have made in their lives, the lives of their siblings, and the community as a whole, assuring new parents that things become easier with time.
By understanding some of the unique challenges of these parents, we see how leaders within organizations can create awareness and a culture that lessens the stress of parents --especially mothers, who are predominately tasked with the day-to-day care of children.
Building A Supportive Culture
Leaders can create a workplace culture to help parents manage their workload. For example, employers offering work-from-home options and cross-training between willing peers can help parents manage their workloads.
Organizations may consider partnering with non-profit programs such as GiGi's House. In addition to non-profit programs, most states and local governments have support groups and resources available.
Raising a child with Down Syndrome is no easy feat. From the initial diagnosis to treatment, it's clear that there are many adjustments parents must make. However, having supportive leaders and a workplace culture that is accommodating can make a world of difference.
#worklifebalance #autismawareness #employeesatisfaction
