Ellen Jane is 21 years old and
has Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome is a
developmental disability which usual causes delays in physical and intellectual
development, but there are a wide range of cognitive abilities in children
with Down Syndrome.
ELLEN JANE PETERSON
Ellen Jane is 21 years old and
has Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome is a
developmental disability which usual causes delays in physical and intellectual
development, but there are a wide range of cognitive abilities in children
with Down Syndrome.
When Ellen Jane was born, her parents were informed that their daughter would have some degree of developmental delay and that they would need to be patient and supportive. From the time she was a baby, she received help from professionals. She was enrolled in an early intervention program where teachers and therapists taught her and played with her. With this help, Ellen Jane has learned many of the same things other children learn, only at a slower pace. Ellen Jane explains, "All Down syndrome means is that it takes me longer to learn things."
Ellen Jane works at the Valley Animal Hospital as an assistant to the veterinarian. Ellen Jane loves this job because she enjoys working with animals. Through her various work experiences, Ellen Jane is learning many new skills which will enable her to be independent after graduation from high school. Ellen Jane has lots of friends and is involved in many extracurricular activities, both in school and in the community. She enjoys participating in sports, particularly swimming and bowling. Ellen Jane even won an award for her swimming skills at the Special Olympics.
Ellen Jane will be the first to tell you that having Down syndrome can be a little frustrating, especially when she has trouble doing or learning something. One example is that her younger brother, Jeffrey, is a much better reader than Ellen Jane. Sometimes she finds this frustrating, but she reminds herself that everyone learns at different speeds. She just does the best she can.
