Re: Down syndrome: The Wandering Gene

[Guest guest]

Oh I cant wait to read all of the post on this one. Hailey has gotten

out of the house on me twice. Scared me half to death. Luckly she

just made it to the end of the driveway. I have locks and child proof

door knob covers on all the doors. But she figured out how to pull

them off. So moms beware those can give you a false since of security.

I was in the back of the house and I forgot to lock the door at the

top because I thought I had it cover with the door knob covers. But

my little Houdini pulled it off and she was on her little adventure.

I am so glad I caught her both times. I now have a really nice lock

on the front door and Im always on top of her because I know just how

quick and smart she can be when she wants out. Thank goodness we live

in the back of the neighborhood and there is no traffic back here.

The good lord was with us. In a article I read one time it said it

was a good idea when going on vacation to alert the front desk that

you have a little houdini and were she belongs just incase. Im going

on vacation next week and I will forsure take that advice. lol I cant

wait to hear the other stories.

>

> Hi Everyone

> In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene " and

how children with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis " and

included some links and tips on what to do about this.

>  

> To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without

spaces): http://mosaicmoments.today.com/2008/06/19/down-syndrome-the-

wandering-gene/

>  

> I would like to know some of your stories about your children and

how they escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some

suggestions for others on how to keep your children safe and how to

teach them about not wandering off.

>  

> I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

> Thanks!

>

>  

> Kristy Colvin

> IMDSA President

> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

> International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

>

> PH:

> Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

> www.imdsa.com

> http://www.mosaicmoments.today.com

>  

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Becky

Please put your comment on my site too so that everyone there can read it!

 

I am really trying to generate some discussion there....so if anyone has

comments, please put them on the site as well!

 

(more comments...more $$$ and more readers and more topics!)

Thanks!

Kristy

Kristy

http://www.mosaicmoments.today.com

 

Subject: Re: Down syndrome: The " Wandering Gene "

To: MosaicDS

Date: Thursday, June 19, 2008, 7:47 PM

Oh I cant wait to read all of the post on this one. Hailey has gotten

out of the house on me twice. Scared me half to death. Luckly she

just made it to the end of the driveway. I have locks and child proof

door knob covers on all the doors. But she figured out how to pull

them off. So moms beware those can give you a false since of security.

I was in the back of the house and I forgot to lock the door at the

top because I thought I had it cover with the door knob covers. But

my little Houdini pulled it off and she was on her little adventure.

I am so glad I caught her both times. I now have a really nice lock

on the front door and Im always on top of her because I know just how

quick and smart she can be when she wants out. Thank goodness we live

in the back of the neighborhood and there is no traffic back here.

The good lord was with us. In a article I read one time it said it

was a good idea when going on vacation to alert the front desk that

you have a little houdini and were she belongs just incase. Im going

on vacation next week and I will forsure take that advice. lol I cant

wait to hear the other stories.

>

> Hi Everyone

> In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene " and

how children with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis " and

included some links and tips on what to do about this.

>  

> To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without

spaces): http://mosaicmoment s.today.com/ 2008/06/19/ down-syndrome- the-

wandering-gene/

>  

> I would like to know some of your stories about your children and

how they escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some

suggestions for others on how to keep your children safe and how to

teach them about not wandering off.

>  

> I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

> Thanks!

>

>  

> Kristy Colvin

> IMDSA President

> ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~

> International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

>

> PH:

> Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

> www.imdsa.com

> http://www.mosaicmo ments.today. com

>  

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Oh it is so true even at Isabella age she can escape. I have two gate to keep

her in the living room and she can maneuver them and escape. Of course I am not

far and she come to me but still it scares me. The other day I went into the

living room and could not find her. I was so panic and both gates were intact.

I suddenly heard giggling and someone say " boo " . She had crawled into the

entertainment stand in a very small space and pulled the door shut. She really

could not have gotten hurt or smothered because there is plenty of ventilation

but I have to really watch her. I am going to get those door alarms next payday

just in case. They are just so quick.

Sue

Isabella 18 months mds

Kristy Colvin wrote:

Hi Everyone

In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene " and how children

with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis " and included some links and

tips on what to do about this.

To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without spaces):

http://mosaicmoments.today.com/2008/06/19/down-syndrome-the-wandering-gene/

I would like to know some of your stories about your children and how they

escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some suggestions for others on

how to keep your children safe and how to teach them about not wandering off.

I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

Thanks!

Kristy Colvin

IMDSA President

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

PH:

Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

www.imdsa.com

http://www.mosaicmoments.today.com

[Guest guest]

Adam tries to escape also. Just yesterday, he made his attempt. Mom went into

the bathroom. As soon as she closed the door, she heard him take down the baby

gate that leads to the kitchen. Then had to unlock two locks on the door and

would have been out except there is a hook on the screen door that he couldn't

reach. He probably would have gotten that too if he would have had another

minute to pulol over a chair before his mom got there. They have the door knob

covers also, but Adam figured out how to pull them off long ago. My daughter

wrapped duct tape around them to keep him from getting them off. He can still

pull the tape off, but she puts alot and it takes him so long to get it off, it

usually frustrates him and he gives up. We have just installed dead bolt locks

that have keys on both sides so he can't get out. Adam gets up a lot in the

night and will come into the living room to sleep on the couch. He sometimes

turns on the TV or plays a video game. We

are scared to death of him leaving the house in the middle of the night. He is

not one bit afraid of the dark. A question to those of you with older kids. Do

they out grow this urge to escape?

Donna

Becky wrote:

Oh I cant wait to read all of the post on this one. Hailey has gotten

out of the house on me twice. Scared me half to death. Luckly she

just made it to the end of the driveway. I have locks and child proof

door knob covers on all the doors. But she figured out how to pull

them off. So moms beware those can give you a false since of security.

I was in the back of the house and I forgot to lock the door at the

top because I thought I had it cover with the door knob covers. But

my little Houdini pulled it off and she was on her little adventure.

I am so glad I caught her both times. I now have a really nice lock

on the front door and Im always on top of her because I know just how

quick and smart she can be when she wants out. Thank goodness we live

in the back of the neighborhood and there is no traffic back here.

The good lord was with us. In a article I read one time it said it

was a good idea when going on vacation to alert the front desk that

you have a little houdini and were she belongs just incase. Im going

on vacation next week and I will forsure take that advice. lol I cant

wait to hear the other stories.

>

> Hi Everyone

> In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene " and

how children with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis " and

included some links and tips on what to do about this.

>

> To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without

spaces): http://mosaicmoments.today.com/2008/06/19/down-syndrome-the-

wandering-gene/

>

> I would like to know some of your stories about your children and

how they escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some

suggestions for others on how to keep your children safe and how to

teach them about not wandering off.

>

> I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

> Thanks!

>

>

> Kristy Colvin

> IMDSA President

> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

> International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

>

> PH:

> Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

> www.imdsa.com

> http://www.mosaicmoments.today.com

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, iel has gotten better, but still will see something of interest and

go his own way, as we know where he is at all times!!!  One thing that helped,

when he was about 6-8 years old, was to " accidentally " lose him in a store.  We

would let him  be in the asile by himself, but go to the next one, secretly

watching him.  After about 30 seconds to 1 minute, he would realize we weren't

there and have a panic moment , then he would find us.  We would reprimand him

for not paying attention, then move on with our shopping, making no mention

after this.  Years later, this is MUCH better.  It just needed reinforcement.

My favorite wandering story regarding iel involves my friend, who does not

have children, but was helping me by watching the kids for me when I was at

work. Nat was about 4 at this time. My husband and hers, were working on

rewiring a bedroom in our ranch house.  My friend, Robyn, thought she knew where

Nat was, but obviously didn't!  lol  After realizing iel was MIA, she

frantically scoured our small house just to find him at our electrical box,

which was open due to the work, with a screwdrive in hand, ready to " work " on

the wires!!!  He was very close to becoming a " fried " bug!!!!! 

I think this incident took about 10 years off of my friend's life!!  Still to

this day, she talks about Nat, the electrician!!!!

Irene in TX, mom to Nat the electrician, 14 MDS, Luke 12, Emilia 9, Lillian 7,

Isaac 4, and Agnes 16months

Re: Re: Down syndrome: The " Wandering Gene "

Adam tries to escape also. Just yesterday, he made his attempt. Mom went into

the bathroom. As soon as she closed the door, she heard him take down the baby

gate that leads to the kitchen. Then had to unlock two locks on the door and

would have been out except there is a hook on the screen door that he couldn't

reach. He probably would have gotten that too if he would have had another

minute to pulol over a chair before his mom got there. They have the door knob

covers also, but Adam figured out how to pull them off long ago. My daughter

wrapped duct tape around them to keep him from getting them off. He can still

pull the tape off, but she puts alot and it takes him so long to get it off, it

usually frustrates him and he gives up. We have just installed dead bolt locks

that have keys on both sides so he can't get out. Adam gets up a lot in the

night and will come into the living room to sleep on the couch. He sometimes

turns on the TV or plays a video

game. We

are scared to death of him leaving the house in the middle of the night. He is

not one bit afraid of the dark. A question to those of you with older kids. Do

they out grow this urge to escape?

Donna

Becky <ladynotlistenin@ yahoo.com> wrote:

Oh I cant wait to read all of the post on this one. Hailey has gotten

out of the house on me twice. Scared me half to death. Luckly she

just made it to the end of the driveway. I have locks and child proof

door knob covers on all the doors. But she figured out how to pull

them off. So moms beware those can give you a false since of security.

I was in the back of the house and I forgot to lock the door at the

top because I thought I had it cover with the door knob covers. But

my little Houdini pulled it off and she was on her little adventure.

I am so glad I caught her both times. I now have a really nice lock

on the front door and Im always on top of her because I know just how

quick and smart she can be when she wants out. Thank goodness we live

in the back of the neighborhood and there is no traffic back here.

The good lord was with us. In a article I read one time it said it

was a good idea when going on vacation to alert the front desk that

you have a little houdini and were she belongs just incase. Im going

on vacation next week and I will forsure take that advice. lol I cant

wait to hear the other stories.

>

> Hi Everyone

> In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene " and

how children with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis " and

included some links and tips on what to do about this.

>

> To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without

spaces): http://mosaicmoment s.today.com/ 2008/06/19/ down-syndrome- the-

wandering-gene/

>

> I would like to know some of your stories about your children and

how they escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some

suggestions for others on how to keep your children safe and how to

teach them about not wandering off.

>

> I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

> Thanks!

>

>

> Kristy Colvin

> IMDSA President

> ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~

> International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

>

> PH:

> Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

> www.imdsa..com

> http://www.mosaicmo ments.today. com

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Tim was probably about 6 or 7 when I didn't worry so much about him escaping. 

However, even now at 22, I think it is embedded in my head that I have to know

where he is when we are out doing something. There are times when we are

shopping that Tim will see something and forget all about walking with me and

just stop to see what is interesting him. I keep telling him he has to tell me

if he walks off, but I think he tends to forget. I find myself constantly asking

Garrett " Where's your brother? " when we are out. (most the time, Garrett knows

if he has walked off---however, it doesn't occur to him to say 'Mom, Tim walked

off!')

 

Safety measures are essential, but also you have to teach the child about

boundries and WHY they can't go off. We did a great newsletter article on this

(I think last year) and Disability Solutions has an article too.

 

Please keep telling us your stories, and also please copy those stories onto my

blog www.mosaicmoments.today.com  so others can read about your experiences!

(One mother said today in the comments that she thought she was the only one

experiencing this! It is important to let everyone know they are not alone!)

 

Thanks!

Kristy

 

 

Oh I cant wait to read all of the post on this one. Hailey has gotten

out of the house on me twice. Scared me half to death. Luckly she

just made it to the end of the driveway. I have locks and child proof

door knob covers on all the doors. But she figured out how to pull

them off. So moms beware those can give you a false since of security.

I was in the back of the house and I forgot to lock the door at the

top because I thought I had it cover with the door knob covers. But

my little Houdini pulled it off and she was on her little adventure.

I am so glad I caught her both times. I now have a really nice lock

on the front door and Im always on top of her because I know just how

quick and smart she can be when she wants out. Thank goodness we live

in the back of the neighborhood and there is no traffic back here.

The good lord was with us. In a article I read one time it said it

was a good idea when going on vacation to alert the front desk that

you have a little houdini and were she belongs just incase. Im going

on vacation next week and I will forsure take that advice. lol I cant

wait to hear the other stories.

>

> Hi Everyone

> In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene " and

how children with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis " and

included some links and tips on what to do about this.

>

> To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without

spaces): http://mosaicmoment s.today.com/ 2008/06/19/ down-syndrome- the-

wandering-gene/

>

> I would like to know some of your stories about your children and

how they escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some

suggestions for others on how to keep your children safe and how to

teach them about not wandering off.

>

> I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

> Thanks!

>

>

> Kristy Colvin

> IMDSA President

> ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~

> International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

>

> PH:

> Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

> www.imdsa.com

> http://www.mosaicmo ments.today. com

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Kristy: Excuse my ignorance with this...(being new to it) but even

Tim at the age he is...you have to " worry " per say like you do a

elementary child in regards to " losing " him? I guess i just

invisioned that once people even with MDS reached " adult " age...they

were not always " watched " especially someone of Tim's magnitude of

knowlegde. ?

Camisha

> >

> > Hi Everyone

> > In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene " and

> how children with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis " and

> included some links and tips on what to do about this.

> >

> > To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without

> spaces): http://mosaicmoment s.today.com/ 2008/06/19/ down-syndrome-

the-

> wandering-gene/

> >

> > I would like to know some of your stories about your children and

> how they escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some

> suggestions for others on how to keep your children safe and how to

> teach them about not wandering off.

> >

> > I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

> > Thanks!

> >

> >

> > Kristy Colvin

> > IMDSA President

> > ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~

~~~~

> > International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

> >

> > PH:

> > Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

> > www.imdsa.com

> > http://www.mosaicmo ments.today. com

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I don't actually worry about him wandering off and he is totally capable of

taking care of himself. I guess what I was trying to say is when we are in a

store or the mall, he will just walk off without saying anything to me, so I

then have " lost " him because he failed to tell me he was going off.

 

Tim has extreme ADHD. (not related to MDS) So, he is very easily distracted and

if he sees something that interests him he forgets that he is supposed to be

with me and he walks away. It would be ok if he just said " I'm going over here "

but most the time he doesn't and then I wind up having to look for him.

 

I hope that clears it up! Sorry for the confusion!

Kristy

 

Subject: Re: Down syndrome: The " Wandering Gene "

To: MosaicDS

Date: Friday, June 20, 2008, 11:26 AM

Kristy: Excuse my ignorance with this...(being new to it) but even

Tim at the age he is...you have to " worry " per say like you do a

elementary child in regards to " losing " him? I guess i just

invisioned that once people even with MDS reached " adult " age...they

were not always " watched " especially someone of Tim's magnitude of

knowlegde. ?

Camisha

> >

> > Hi Everyone

> > In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene " and

> how children with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis " and

> included some links and tips on what to do about this.

> >

> > To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without

> spaces): http://mosaicmoment s.today.com/ 2008/06/19/ down-syndrome-

the-

> wandering-gene/

> >

> > I would like to know some of your stories about your children and

> how they escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some

> suggestions for others on how to keep your children safe and how to

> teach them about not wandering off.

> >

> > I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

> > Thanks!

> >

> >

> > Kristy Colvin

> > IMDSA President

> > ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~

~~~~

> > International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

> >

> > PH:

> > Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

> > www.imdsa.com

> > http://www.mosaicmo ments.today. com

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

My daughter is 16 now, soon to be 17 in August, and she was bad about wandering

off when she was younger. I not exactly sure what age it was that something

just clicked about " strangers " and being " Kidnapped " - I think it was some

movies she watched - Home Alone - not really sure, but she has stuck to me like

glue ever since whatever it was finally made an impression on her. I think she

was around 10-11 years old when it finally sunk in that it was unsafe for her to

wander away from us.

I have the funniest story about her " almost getting kidnapped " - I think I may

have relayed this before but anyway this is the story:

We were shopping in Mervyn's one day and she was tagging along a few yards

behind me in her own world. I made a turn into the shoes and she wasn't paying

attention and had walked up to the check out register and was standing beside a

lady who was checking out. The lady had hair similar to mine and Katy thought

she was standing next to me. (I think we have all done this at one time

another, especially as a kid). Anyway, I was aware of what was going on and I

walked up behind her and tapped her on the shoulder. She turned and looked at

me with the most surprised look and then turned and looked up at the lady she

had been standing by. As she walked away with me, she said in a very loud

voice, " Mom, I almost got kidnapped! "

She is very tuned in when the news comes on and if anybody has been kidnapped or

is missing she really talks about and asks questions. Remember the " Run away

Bride " story a few years ago. Everyone thought she had been kidnapped and she

had just run away on her own, etc. We were in line at Barns & Noble and this

woman's picture was on the cover of People Magazine and Katy recognized it and

was telling me, " Mom, Mom, it's her, she got kidnapped.... "

For some reason, " kidnapping " has made a big impression on her and she doesn't

want to be kidnapped and she is very wary and alert when we are out and about.

So my advice... rent some " kidnapping " movies -- no, just kidding. We never

threatened her with being kidnapped, and didn't even use that word, we did talk

to her about strangers, but something she saw and watched on her own and I think

just maturing and understanding more made something click and she is much more

aware.

Charlotte

Mom to Katy

Re: Down syndrome: The " Wandering Gene "

To: MosaicDS <mailto:MosaicDS%40yahoogroups.com>

Date: Friday, June 20, 2008, 11:26 AM

Kristy: Excuse my ignorance with this...(being new to it) but even

Tim at the age he is...you have to " worry " per say like you do a

elementary child in regards to " losing " him? I guess i just

invisioned that once people even with MDS reached " adult " age...they

were not always " watched " especially someone of Tim's magnitude of

knowlegde. ?

Camisha

> >

> > Hi Everyone

> > In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene " and

> how children with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis " and

> included some links and tips on what to do about this.

> >

> > To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without

> spaces): http://mosaicmoment<http://mosaicmoment/> s.today.com/ 2008/06/19/

down-syndrome-

the-

> wandering-gene/

> >

> > I would like to know some of your stories about your children and

> how they escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some

> suggestions for others on how to keep your children safe and how to

> teach them about not wandering off.

> >

> > I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

> > Thanks!

> >

> >

> > Kristy Colvin

> > IMDSA President

> > ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~

~~~~

> > International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

> >

> > PH:

> > Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

> > www.imdsa.com

> > http://www.mosaicmo<http://www.mosaicmo/> ments.today. com

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Kristy, Hailey has severe ADHD. It drives me nuts to go outside

with her for that reason. Im alway trying to keep her in sight and

not to far away because she wanders off and doesnt even notice if she

doesnt see me. I have let her wander just to see what she would do

and she just walks down the street in her own little world. It doesnt

seem to bother her if she thinks Im not around. That truely scares

me. I thought she would out grow this. I sure hope she does. Hailey

is very hyper and is totally focused on where she wants to go.She is

driven. It is a big battle for us just to go outside and talk to the

neighbors. She is off and running and me chaseing her. There is no

time to visit with the neighbors. Going in a store is the same way.

She is 5 and Im still putting her in a cart when we go into the

store. She is almost to big for that. I too have felt like I was all

alone in dealing with these issues.She has really mastered the art of

tuning you out. She wont come back when you call her. She keeps going

where ever she is driven to go.

> > >

> > > Hi Everyone

> > > In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene "

and

> > how children with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis "

and

> > included some links and tips on what to do about this.

> > >

> > > To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without

> > spaces): http://mosaicmoment s.today.com/ 2008/06/19/ down-

syndrome-

> the-

> > wandering-gene/

> > >

> > > I would like to know some of your stories about your children

and

> > how they escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some

> > suggestions for others on how to keep your children safe and how

to

> > teach them about not wandering off.

> > >

> > > I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

> > > Thanks!

> > >

> > >

> > > Kristy Colvin

> > > IMDSA President

> > > ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~

> ~~~~

> > > International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

> > >

> > > PH:

> > > Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

> > > www.imdsa.com

> > > http://www.mosaicmo ments.today. com

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

That is too funny. I need to go get Hailey some new movies....lol I

wish it was that easy.

> > >

> > > Hi Everyone

> > > In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene "

and

> > how children with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis "

and

> > included some links and tips on what to do about this.

> > >

> > > To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without

> > spaces): http://mosaicmoment<http://mosaicmoment/> s.today.com/

2008/06/19/ down-syndrome-

> the-

> > wandering-gene/

> > >

> > > I would like to know some of your stories about your children

and

> > how they escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some

> > suggestions for others on how to keep your children safe and

how to

> > teach them about not wandering off.

> > >

> > > I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

> > > Thanks!

> > >

> > >

> > > Kristy Colvin

> > > IMDSA President

> > > ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~

> ~~~~

> > > International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

> > >

> > > PH:

> > > Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

> > > www.imdsa.com

> > > http://www.mosaicmo<http://www.mosaicmo/> ments.today. com

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Hi Becky

I remember those days! Tim was so hyper that I wound up just staying inside

because it was just easier! I am glad to say that he has calmed down now

completely and you would never know by watching him now, that he had these

extreme hyper moments.

 

I wonder.... what do you do to teach her that she can not run off like that?

 

Kristy

 

Subject: Re: Down syndrome: The " Wandering Gene "

To: MosaicDS

Date: Friday, June 20, 2008, 1:44 PM

Hi Kristy, Hailey has severe ADHD. It drives me nuts to go outside

with her for that reason. Im alway trying to keep her in sight and

not to far away because she wanders off and doesnt even notice if she

doesnt see me. I have let her wander just to see what she would do

and she just walks down the street in her own little world. It doesnt

seem to bother her if she thinks Im not around. That truely scares

me. I thought she would out grow this. I sure hope she does. Hailey

is very hyper and is totally focused on where she wants to go.She is

driven. It is a big battle for us just to go outside and talk to the

neighbors. She is off and running and me chaseing her. There is no

time to visit with the neighbors. Going in a store is the same way.

She is 5 and Im still putting her in a cart when we go into the

store. She is almost to big for that. I too have felt like I was all

alone in dealing with these issues.She has really mastered the art of

tuning you out. She wont come back when you call her. She keeps going

where ever she is driven to go.

> > >

> > > Hi Everyone

> > > In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene "

and

> > how children with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis "

and

> > included some links and tips on what to do about this.

> > >

> > > To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without

> > spaces): http://mosaicmoment s.today.com/ 2008/06/19/ down-

syndrome-

> the-

> > wandering-gene/

> > >

> > > I would like to know some of your stories about your children

and

> > how they escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some

> > suggestions for others on how to keep your children safe and how

to

> > teach them about not wandering off.

> > >

> > > I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

> > > Thanks!

> > >

> > >

> > > Kristy Colvin

> > > IMDSA President

> > > ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~

> ~~~~

> > > International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

> > >

> > > PH:

> > > Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

> > > www.imdsa.com

> > > http://www.mosaicmo ments.today. com

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Sad to say but Im in the stay at home and inside stage. She just

wears me out. I verbally correct her but that is about it because she

really doesnt listen. I tell her not to go in the street because a

car will hit her but she is just so driven she pays no attention to

me. When I have had enough I go back in the house. I could use help

with this one as you can see.

> > > >

> > > > Hi Everyone

> > > > In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene "

> and

> > > how children with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis "

> and

> > > included some links and tips on what to do about this.

> > > >

> > > > To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without

> > > spaces): http://mosaicmoment s.today.com/ 2008/06/19/ down-

> syndrome-

> > the-

> > > wandering-gene/

> > > >

> > > > I would like to know some of your stories about your children

> and

> > > how they escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some

> > > suggestions for others on how to keep your children safe and

how

> to

> > > teach them about not wandering off.

> > > >

> > > > I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

> > > > Thanks!

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Kristy Colvin

> > > > IMDSA President

> > > > ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~

> > ~~~~

> > > > International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

> > > >

> > > > PH:

> > > > Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

> > > > www.imdsa.com

> > > > http://www.mosaicmo ments.today. com

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

[Guest guest]

Ummm....Just for you Kristy just call the Rockbridge County Sheriff's Office and

ask for any and all reports on Austin...it'll save both of us the time or better

yet contact his Teacher this past year.....LOL

 

Blessings Abound,

(Becky) Rowe

Family Assistance Coordinator

IMDSA Conference July 10-12, 2009

rdrsfan31@...

Mom to Trey (8 ADHD) & Austin (5 MDS)

Down syndrome: The " Wandering Gene "

Hi Everyone

In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene " and how children

with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis " and included some links and

tips on what to do about this.

 

To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without spaces):

http://mosaicmoment s.today.com/ 2008/06/19/ down-syndrome- the-wandering- gene/

 

I would like to know some of your stories about your children and how they

escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some suggestions for others on

how to keep your children safe and how to teach them about not wandering off.

 

I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

Thanks!

 

Kristy Colvin

IMDSA President

~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~

International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

PH:

Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

www.imdsa.com

http://www.mosaicmo ments.today. com

 

[Guest guest]

Would you just like a list of the funniest or the scariest? The Funniest for

Austin was the time he hid in my Brother In Law's car and pretended he was

driving (it had no doors.....and was (and still is) missing the

engine)......Then the scariest was Memorial Day '07....

 

Blessings Abound,

(Becky) Rowe

Family Assistance Coordinator

IMDSA Conference July 10-12, 2009

rdrsfan31@...

Mom to Trey (8 ADHD) & Austin (5 MDS)

Down syndrome: The " Wandering Gene "

Hi Everyone

In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene " and how children

with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis " and included some links and

tips on what to do about this.

 

To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without spaces):

http://mosaicmoment s.today.com/ 2008/06/19/ down-syndrome- the-wandering- gene/

 

I would like to know some of your stories about your children and how they

escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some suggestions for others on

how to keep your children safe and how to teach them about not wandering off.

 

I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

Thanks!

 

Kristy Colvin

IMDSA President

~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~

International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

PH:

Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

www.imdsa.com

http://www.mosaicmo ments.today. com

 

[Guest guest]

Becky,

Invest in these...temporary tattoos that you can put your contact information

with a special pen on with.  The kits are like $10 and will come in handy on

your vacation... the website to order these are www.tattooswithapurpose.com  and

by now they should have the DS tattoo (thanks to me) and by the end of summer

they should have our IMDSA ribbon as a tattoo (again thanks to me! Not that I'm

bragging or anything...LOL)

 

Blessings Abound,

(Becky) Rowe

Family Assistance Coordinator

IMDSA Conference July 10-12, 2009

rdrsfan31@...

Mom to Trey (8 ADHD) & Austin (5 MDS)

Re: Down syndrome: The " Wandering Gene "

Oh I cant wait to read all of the post on this one. Hailey has gotten

out of the house on me twice. Scared me half to death. Luckly she

just made it to the end of the driveway. I have locks and child proof

door knob covers on all the doors. But she figured out how to pull

them off. So moms beware those can give you a false since of security.

I was in the back of the house and I forgot to lock the door at the

top because I thought I had it cover with the door knob covers. But

my little Houdini pulled it off and she was on her little adventure.

I am so glad I caught her both times. I now have a really nice lock

on the front door and Im always on top of her because I know just how

quick and smart she can be when she wants out. Thank goodness we live

in the back of the neighborhood and there is no traffic back here.

The good lord was with us. In a article I read one time it said it

was a good idea when going on vacation to alert the front desk that

you have a little houdini and were she belongs just incase. Im going

on vacation next week and I will forsure take that advice. lol I cant

wait to hear the other stories.

>

> Hi Everyone

> In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene " and

how children with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis " and

included some links and tips on what to do about this.

>  

> To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without

spaces): http://mosaicmoment s.today.com/ 2008/06/19/ down-syndrome- the-

wandering-gene/

>  

> I would like to know some of your stories about your children and

how they escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some

suggestions for others on how to keep your children safe and how to

teach them about not wandering off.

>  

> I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

> Thanks!

>

>  

> Kristy Colvin

> IMDSA President

> ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~

> International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

>

> PH:

> Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

> www.imdsa.com

> http://www.mosaicmo ments.today. com

>  

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Don't we all feel the urge every now and again to " escape " from our lives?! LOL

So I honestly think the true answer here is NO we never outgrow the urge to

escape...isn't that why it's called " daydreaming " ? LOL If we as adults don't

outgrow it (but at least learn to curb those urges LOL), how should we expect

our kids to outgrow it? LOL

 

Blessings Abound,

(Becky) Rowe

Family Assistance Coordinator

IMDSA Conference July 10-12, 2009

rdrsfan31@...

Mom to Trey (8 ADHD) & Austin (5 MDS)

Re: Re: Down syndrome: The " Wandering Gene "

Adam tries to escape also. Just yesterday, he made his attempt. Mom went into

the bathroom. As soon as she closed the door, she heard him take down the baby

gate that leads to the kitchen. Then had to unlock two locks on the door and

would have been out except there is a hook on the screen door that he couldn't

reach. He probably would have gotten that too if he would have had another

minute to pulol over a chair before his mom got there. They have the door knob

covers also, but Adam figured out how to pull them off long ago. My daughter

wrapped duct tape around them to keep him from getting them off. He can still

pull the tape off, but she puts alot and it takes him so long to get it off, it

usually frustrates him and he gives up. We have just installed dead bolt locks

that have keys on both sides so he can't get out. Adam gets up a lot in the

night and will come into the living room to sleep on the couch. He sometimes

turns on the TV or plays a video

game. We

are scared to death of him leaving the house in the middle of the night. He is

not one bit afraid of the dark. A question to those of you with older kids. Do

they out grow this urge to escape?

Donna

Becky <ladynotlistenin@ yahoo.com> wrote:

Oh I cant wait to read all of the post on this one. Hailey has gotten

out of the house on me twice. Scared me half to death. Luckly she

just made it to the end of the driveway. I have locks and child proof

door knob covers on all the doors. But she figured out how to pull

them off. So moms beware those can give you a false since of security.

I was in the back of the house and I forgot to lock the door at the

top because I thought I had it cover with the door knob covers. But

my little Houdini pulled it off and she was on her little adventure.

I am so glad I caught her both times. I now have a really nice lock

on the front door and Im always on top of her because I know just how

quick and smart she can be when she wants out. Thank goodness we live

in the back of the neighborhood and there is no traffic back here.

The good lord was with us. In a article I read one time it said it

was a good idea when going on vacation to alert the front desk that

you have a little houdini and were she belongs just incase. Im going

on vacation next week and I will forsure take that advice. lol I cant

wait to hear the other stories.

>

> Hi Everyone

> In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene " and

how children with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis " and

included some links and tips on what to do about this.

>

> To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without

spaces): http://mosaicmoment s.today.com/ 2008/06/19/ down-syndrome- the-

wandering-gene/

>

> I would like to know some of your stories about your children and

how they escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some

suggestions for others on how to keep your children safe and how to

teach them about not wandering off.

>

> I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

> Thanks!

>

>

> Kristy Colvin

> IMDSA President

> ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~

> International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

>

> PH:

> Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

> www.imdsa.com

> http://www.mosaicmo ments.today. com

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I guess I don't want him to outgrow his sense of adventure - just gain a sense

of what is and isn't safe.

On a reverse note - yesterday Adam was at his aunt's house (my older daughter

{Skylar and Mia's mom}). He goes there every Friday evening. Anyway, my

daughter stepped out onto the front porch for a second and Adam locked her out

of the house. He thought this was really funny and wouldn't let her back in.

She had just given Skylar a lecture about not going to answer the door because

you don't know who is there, so when she was ringing the doorbell, Skylar didn't

come either. After about 15 minutes of Adam laughing at her through the window,

Skylar came to find her mom and let her in. When she got in, Mia (18 months

old) was wearing high heels and lip gloss. Needless to say - big time out for

Adam.

There is one thing MDS parents and families cannot claim - a dull moment.

Donna

P.S. On potty training - Adam was five when potty trained.

Becky Rowe wrote:

Don't we all feel the urge every now and again to " escape " from our

lives?! LOL So I honestly think the true answer here is NO we never outgrow the

urge to escape...isn't that why it's called " daydreaming " ? LOL If we as adults

don't outgrow it (but at least learn to curb those urges LOL), how should we

expect our kids to outgrow it? LOL

Blessings Abound,

(Becky) Rowe

Family Assistance Coordinator

IMDSA Conference July 10-12, 2009

rdrsfan31@...

Mom to Trey (8 ADHD) & Austin (5 MDS)

Re: Re: Down syndrome: The " Wandering Gene "

Adam tries to escape also. Just yesterday, he made his attempt. Mom went into

the bathroom. As soon as she closed the door, she heard him take down the baby

gate that leads to the kitchen. Then had to unlock two locks on the door and

would have been out except there is a hook on the screen door that he couldn't

reach. He probably would have gotten that too if he would have had another

minute to pulol over a chair before his mom got there. They have the door knob

covers also, but Adam figured out how to pull them off long ago. My daughter

wrapped duct tape around them to keep him from getting them off. He can still

pull the tape off, but she puts alot and it takes him so long to get it off, it

usually frustrates him and he gives up. We have just installed dead bolt locks

that have keys on both sides so he can't get out. Adam gets up a lot in the

night and will come into the living room to sleep on the couch. He sometimes

turns on the TV or plays a video

game. We

are scared to death of him leaving the house in the middle of the night. He is

not one bit afraid of the dark. A question to those of you with older kids. Do

they out grow this urge to escape?

Donna

Becky <ladynotlistenin@ yahoo.com> wrote:

Oh I cant wait to read all of the post on this one. Hailey has gotten

out of the house on me twice. Scared me half to death. Luckly she

just made it to the end of the driveway. I have locks and child proof

door knob covers on all the doors. But she figured out how to pull

them off. So moms beware those can give you a false since of security.

I was in the back of the house and I forgot to lock the door at the

top because I thought I had it cover with the door knob covers. But

my little Houdini pulled it off and she was on her little adventure.

I am so glad I caught her both times. I now have a really nice lock

on the front door and Im always on top of her because I know just how

quick and smart she can be when she wants out. Thank goodness we live

in the back of the neighborhood and there is no traffic back here.

The good lord was with us. In a article I read one time it said it

was a good idea when going on vacation to alert the front desk that

you have a little houdini and were she belongs just incase. Im going

on vacation next week and I will forsure take that advice. lol I cant

wait to hear the other stories.

>

> Hi Everyone

> In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene " and

how children with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis " and

included some links and tips on what to do about this.

>

> To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without

spaces): http://mosaicmoment s.today.com/ 2008/06/19/ down-syndrome- the-

wandering-gene/

>

> I would like to know some of your stories about your children and

how they escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some

suggestions for others on how to keep your children safe and how to

teach them about not wandering off.

>

> I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

> Thanks!

>

>

> Kristy Colvin

> IMDSA President

> ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~

> International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

>

> PH:

> Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

> www.imdsa.com

> http://www.mosaicmo ments.today. com

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Donna

LOL That is too funny! I can just picture the whole scene of your daugther being

locked out! I am sure she wasn't laughing, but later when she looks at it she

will see how hilarious that is!

Thanks for the laugh!!

Kristy

 

Oh I cant wait to read all of the post on this one. Hailey has gotten

out of the house on me twice. Scared me half to death. Luckly she

just made it to the end of the driveway. I have locks and child proof

door knob covers on all the doors. But she figured out how to pull

them off. So moms beware those can give you a false since of security.

I was in the back of the house and I forgot to lock the door at the

top because I thought I had it cover with the door knob covers. But

my little Houdini pulled it off and she was on her little adventure.

I am so glad I caught her both times. I now have a really nice lock

on the front door and Im always on top of her because I know just how

quick and smart she can be when she wants out. Thank goodness we live

in the back of the neighborhood and there is no traffic back here.

The good lord was with us. In a article I read one time it said it

was a good idea when going on vacation to alert the front desk that

you have a little houdini and were she belongs just incase. Im going

on vacation next week and I will forsure take that advice. lol I cant

wait to hear the other stories.

>

> Hi Everyone

> In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene " and

how children with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis " and

included some links and tips on what to do about this.

>

> To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without

spaces): http://mosaicmoment s.today.com/ 2008/06/19/ down-syndrome- the-

wandering-gene/

>

> I would like to know some of your stories about your children and

how they escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some

suggestions for others on how to keep your children safe and how to

teach them about not wandering off.

>

> I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

> Thanks!

>

>

> Kristy Colvin

> IMDSA President

> ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~

> International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

>

> PH:

> Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

> www.imdsa.com

> http://www.mosaicmo ments.today. com

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Becky, Those are so neat. I just ordered 3 and the pen and sent them

to my sisters house just incase they dont make it here in time. Thank

you so much that was a great idea. Now I can know for sure if she

gets lost they will have my phone no. on her. Now I can rest my mind

a little. I saved the site so I can get more. What a great idea.

> >

> > Hi Everyone

> > In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene " and

> how children with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis " and

> included some links and tips on what to do about this.

> >  

> > To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without

> spaces): http://mosaicmoment s.today.com/ 2008/06/19/ down-syndrome-

the-

> wandering-gene/

> >  

> > I would like to know some of your stories about your children and

> how they escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some

> suggestions for others on how to keep your children safe and how to

> teach them about not wandering off.

> >  

> > I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

> > Thanks!

> >

> >  

> > Kristy Colvin

> > IMDSA President

> > ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~

~~~~

> > International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

> >

> > PH:

> > Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

> > www.imdsa.com

> > http://www.mosaicmo ments.today. com

> >  

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

No problem, when you said Vacation I immediately thought of those, and they are

so inexpensive, even for the kits! When you get to your hotel, you can let the

desk clerks know so they will know what to look for and maybe even print out a

picture of her just in case. Never hurts to be on the safe side!

As for the Cowboys thing........hmmmm.....I'll just have to over-look it for now

LOL (at least until Football Season starts )  )

 

Blessings Abound,

(Becky) Rowe

Family Assistance Coordinator

IMDSA Conference July 10-12, 2009

rdrsfan31@...

Mom to Trey (8 ADHD) & Austin (5 MDS)

Re: Down syndrome: The " Wandering Gene "

Becky, Those are so neat. I just ordered 3 and the pen and sent them

to my sisters house just incase they dont make it here in time. Thank

you so much that was a great idea. Now I can know for sure if she

gets lost they will have my phone no. on her. Now I can rest my mind

a little. I saved the site so I can get more. What a great idea.

> >

> > Hi Everyone

> > In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene " and

> how children with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis " and

> included some links and tips on what to do about this.

> >  

> > To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without

> spaces): http://mosaicmoment s.today.com/ 2008/06/19/ down-syndrome-

the-

> wandering-gene/

> >  

> > I would like to know some of your stories about your children and

> how they escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some

> suggestions for others on how to keep your children safe and how to

> teach them about not wandering off.

> >  

> > I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

> > Thanks!

> >

> >  

> > Kristy Colvin

> > IMDSA President

> > ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~

~~~~

> > International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

> >

> > PH:

> > Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

> > www.imdsa.com

> > http://www.mosaicmo ments.today. com

> >  

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

We have to make sure we have our house key with us when we go outside -- even if

stepping out for just a minute -- because Molly will lock the door every time!

She actually thinks she's doing the " safe " thing, but it's a little unnerving!

And, remember, she's Deaf, so no amount of pounding on the door, ringing the

doorbell, or calling her name is going to do a bit of good!

A.

Special Educator

Simon Kenton HS

11132 Madison Pk.

Independence, KY 41051

(859)960-0348

cynthia.jones@...

________________________________

From: MosaicDS on behalf of Donna Spudic

Sent: Sat 6/21/2008 12:02 PM

To: MosaicDS

Subject: Re: Re: Down syndrome: The " Wandering Gene "

I guess I don't want him to outgrow his sense of adventure - just gain a sense

of what is and isn't safe.

On a reverse note - yesterday Adam was at his aunt's house (my older daughter

{Skylar and Mia's mom}). He goes there every Friday evening. Anyway, my daughter

stepped out onto the front porch for a second and Adam locked her out of the

house. He thought this was really funny and wouldn't let her back in. She had

just given Skylar a lecture about not going to answer the door because you don't

know who is there, so when she was ringing the doorbell, Skylar didn't come

either. After about 15 minutes of Adam laughing at her through the window,

Skylar came to find her mom and let her in. When she got in, Mia (18 months old)

was wearing high heels and lip gloss. Needless to say - big time out for Adam.

There is one thing MDS parents and families cannot claim - a dull moment.

Donna

P.S. On potty training - Adam was five when potty trained.

Becky Rowe <rdrsfan31@... <mailto:rdrsfan31%40yahoo.com> > wrote:

Don't we all feel the urge every now and again to " escape " from our lives?! LOL

So I honestly think the true answer here is NO we never outgrow the urge to

escape...isn't that why it's called " daydreaming " ? LOL If we as adults don't

outgrow it (but at least learn to curb those urges LOL), how should we expect

our kids to outgrow it? LOL

Blessings Abound,

(Becky) Rowe

Family Assistance Coordinator

IMDSA Conference July 10-12, 2009

rdrsfan31@... <mailto:rdrsfan31%40yahoo.com>

Mom to Trey (8 ADHD) & Austin (5 MDS)

Re: Re: Down syndrome: The " Wandering Gene "

Adam tries to escape also. Just yesterday, he made his attempt. Mom went into

the bathroom. As soon as she closed the door, she heard him take down the baby

gate that leads to the kitchen. Then had to unlock two locks on the door and

would have been out except there is a hook on the screen door that he couldn't

reach. He probably would have gotten that too if he would have had another

minute to pulol over a chair before his mom got there. They have the door knob

covers also, but Adam figured out how to pull them off long ago. My daughter

wrapped duct tape around them to keep him from getting them off. He can still

pull the tape off, but she puts alot and it takes him so long to get it off, it

usually frustrates him and he gives up. We have just installed dead bolt locks

that have keys on both sides so he can't get out. Adam gets up a lot in the

night and will come into the living room to sleep on the couch. He sometimes

turns on the TV or plays a video

game. We

are scared to death of him leaving the house in the middle of the night. He is

not one bit afraid of the dark. A question to those of you with older kids. Do

they out grow this urge to escape?

Donna

Becky <ladynotlistenin@ yahoo.com> wrote:

Oh I cant wait to read all of the post on this one. Hailey has gotten

out of the house on me twice. Scared me half to death. Luckly she

just made it to the end of the driveway. I have locks and child proof

door knob covers on all the doors. But she figured out how to pull

them off. So moms beware those can give you a false since of security.

I was in the back of the house and I forgot to lock the door at the

top because I thought I had it cover with the door knob covers. But

my little Houdini pulled it off and she was on her little adventure.

I am so glad I caught her both times. I now have a really nice lock

on the front door and Im always on top of her because I know just how

quick and smart she can be when she wants out. Thank goodness we live

in the back of the neighborhood and there is no traffic back here.

The good lord was with us. In a article I read one time it said it

was a good idea when going on vacation to alert the front desk that

you have a little houdini and were she belongs just incase. Im going

on vacation next week and I will forsure take that advice. lol I cant

wait to hear the other stories.

>

> Hi Everyone

> In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene " and

how children with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis " and

included some links and tips on what to do about this.

>

> To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without

spaces): http://mosaicmoment <http://mosaicmoment/> s.today.com/ 2008/06/19/

down-syndrome- the-

wandering-gene/

>

> I would like to know some of your stories about your children and

how they escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some

suggestions for others on how to keep your children safe and how to

teach them about not wandering off.

>

> I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

> Thanks!

>

>

> Kristy Colvin

> IMDSA President

> ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~

> International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

>

> PH:

> Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

> www.imdsa.com

> http://www.mosaicmo <http://www.mosaicmo/> ments.today. com

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

yeah I had already decided to let the front desk know I have a little

houdini. Im so excited. This is the first real vacation I have had in

20 years. I go and see out of town family but I dont view that as a

vacation. I found out last night they have a zoo thier. We are for

sure gonna do that. Hailey loves animals. We always have to watch the

tigers and elephants on TV. She will just freak when she sees them in

real life. I got the tatoos for my sisters grandbabies too. Those

things are great. Hailey has never gotten away from me when we were

out and about...but you just never know and its great to have a plan.

Thanks for shareing that website....I cant wait for football season

to in....Then its on girly....lol

> > >

> > > Hi Everyone

> > > In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene "

and

> > how children with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis "

and

> > included some links and tips on what to do about this.

> > >  

> > > To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without

> > spaces): http://mosaicmoment s.today.com/ 2008/06/19/ down-

syndrome-

> the-

> > wandering-gene/

> > >  

> > > I would like to know some of your stories about your children

and

> > how they escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some

> > suggestions for others on how to keep your children safe and how

to

> > teach them about not wandering off.

> > >  

> > > I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

> > > Thanks!

> > >

> > >  

> > > Kristy Colvin

> > > IMDSA President

> > > ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~

> ~~~~

> > > International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

> > >

> > > PH:

> > > Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

> > > www.imdsa.com

> > > http://www.mosaicmo ments.today. com

> > >  

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

That is scary especially with Molly not being able to hear you. Adam's

mom said the same thing. She never steps out the door without a key. She just

forgot to mention that to his aunt.

Donna

" , - Kenton County " wrote:

We have to make sure we have our house key with us when we go outside

-- even if stepping out for just a minute -- because Molly will lock the door

every time! She actually thinks she's doing the " safe " thing, but it's a little

unnerving! And, remember, she's Deaf, so no amount of pounding on the door,

ringing the doorbell, or calling her name is going to do a bit of good!

A.

Special Educator

Simon Kenton HS

11132 Madison Pk.

Independence, KY 41051

(859)960-0348

cynthia.jones@...

________________________________

From: MosaicDS on behalf of Donna Spudic

Sent: Sat 6/21/2008 12:02 PM

To: MosaicDS

Subject: Re: Re: Down syndrome: The " Wandering Gene "

I guess I don't want him to outgrow his sense of adventure - just gain a sense

of what is and isn't safe.

On a reverse note - yesterday Adam was at his aunt's house (my older daughter

{Skylar and Mia's mom}). He goes there every Friday evening. Anyway, my daughter

stepped out onto the front porch for a second and Adam locked her out of the

house. He thought this was really funny and wouldn't let her back in. She had

just given Skylar a lecture about not going to answer the door because you don't

know who is there, so when she was ringing the doorbell, Skylar didn't come

either. After about 15 minutes of Adam laughing at her through the window,

Skylar came to find her mom and let her in. When she got in, Mia (18 months old)

was wearing high heels and lip gloss. Needless to say - big time out for Adam.

There is one thing MDS parents and families cannot claim - a dull moment.

Donna

P.S. On potty training - Adam was five when potty trained.

Becky Rowe <rdrsfan31@... <mailto:rdrsfan31%40yahoo.com> > wrote:

Don't we all feel the urge every now and again to " escape " from our lives?! LOL

So I honestly think the true answer here is NO we never outgrow the urge to

escape...isn't that why it's called " daydreaming " ? LOL If we as adults don't

outgrow it (but at least learn to curb those urges LOL), how should we expect

our kids to outgrow it? LOL

Blessings Abound,

(Becky) Rowe

Family Assistance Coordinator

IMDSA Conference July 10-12, 2009

rdrsfan31@... <mailto:rdrsfan31%40yahoo.com>

Mom to Trey (8 ADHD) & Austin (5 MDS)

Re: Re: Down syndrome: The " Wandering Gene "

Adam tries to escape also. Just yesterday, he made his attempt. Mom went into

the bathroom. As soon as she closed the door, she heard him take down the baby

gate that leads to the kitchen. Then had to unlock two locks on the door and

would have been out except there is a hook on the screen door that he couldn't

reach. He probably would have gotten that too if he would have had another

minute to pulol over a chair before his mom got there. They have the door knob

covers also, but Adam figured out how to pull them off long ago. My daughter

wrapped duct tape around them to keep him from getting them off. He can still

pull the tape off, but she puts alot and it takes him so long to get it off, it

usually frustrates him and he gives up. We have just installed dead bolt locks

that have keys on both sides so he can't get out. Adam gets up a lot in the

night and will come into the living room to sleep on the couch. He sometimes

turns on the TV or plays a video

game. We

are scared to death of him leaving the house in the middle of the night. He is

not one bit afraid of the dark. A question to those of you with older kids. Do

they out grow this urge to escape?

Donna

Becky <ladynotlistenin@ yahoo.com> wrote:

Oh I cant wait to read all of the post on this one. Hailey has gotten

out of the house on me twice. Scared me half to death. Luckly she

just made it to the end of the driveway. I have locks and child proof

door knob covers on all the doors. But she figured out how to pull

them off. So moms beware those can give you a false since of security.

I was in the back of the house and I forgot to lock the door at the

top because I thought I had it cover with the door knob covers. But

my little Houdini pulled it off and she was on her little adventure.

I am so glad I caught her both times. I now have a really nice lock

on the front door and Im always on top of her because I know just how

quick and smart she can be when she wants out. Thank goodness we live

in the back of the neighborhood and there is no traffic back here.

The good lord was with us. In a article I read one time it said it

was a good idea when going on vacation to alert the front desk that

you have a little houdini and were she belongs just incase. Im going

on vacation next week and I will forsure take that advice. lol I cant

wait to hear the other stories.

>

> Hi Everyone

> In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene " and

how children with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis " and

included some links and tips on what to do about this.

>

> To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without

spaces): http://mosaicmoment <http://mosaicmoment/> s.today.com/ 2008/06/19/

down-syndrome- the-

wandering-gene/

>

> I would like to know some of your stories about your children and

how they escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some

suggestions for others on how to keep your children safe and how to

teach them about not wandering off.

>

> I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

> Thanks!

>

>

> Kristy Colvin

> IMDSA President

> ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~

> International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

>

> PH:

> Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

> www.imdsa.com

> http://www.mosaicmo <http://www.mosaicmo/> ments.today. com

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, it's VERY scary. If she were a Deaf ADULT, she'd have her Sidekick/cell

phone and I could text her to let me in, but she's got to master the language

BEFORE she can text! LOL!

Hey, did anybody see the Superbowl commercial where the Deaf guys can't find the

house they're going to, so they just drive down the street honking the horn.

Every light on the street comes on -- EXCEPT the ones at the house of their DEAF

friend who can't hear the horn!

A.

Special Educator

Simon Kenton HS

11132 Madison Pk.

Independence, KY 41051

(859)960-0348

cynthia.jones@...

________________________________

From: MosaicDS on behalf of Donna Spudic

Sent: Mon 6/23/2008 1:52 PM

To: MosaicDS

Subject: RE: Re: Down syndrome: The " Wandering Gene "

That is scary especially with Molly not being able to hear you. Adam's

mom said the same thing. She never steps out the door without a key. She just

forgot to mention that to his aunt.

Donna

" , - Kenton County " <cynthia.jones@...

<mailto:cynthia.jones%40kenton.kyschools.us> > wrote:

We have to make sure we have our house key with us when we go outside -- even if

stepping out for just a minute -- because Molly will lock the door every time!

She actually thinks she's doing the " safe " thing, but it's a little unnerving!

And, remember, she's Deaf, so no amount of pounding on the door, ringing the

doorbell, or calling her name is going to do a bit of good!

A.

Special Educator

Simon Kenton HS

11132 Madison Pk.

Independence, KY 41051

(859)960-0348

cynthia.jones@... <mailto:cynthia.jones%40kenton.kyschools.us>

________________________________

From: MosaicDS <mailto:MosaicDS%40yahoogroups.com> on behalf of

Donna Spudic

Sent: Sat 6/21/2008 12:02 PM

To: MosaicDS <mailto:MosaicDS%40yahoogroups.com>

Subject: Re: Re: Down syndrome: The " Wandering Gene "

I guess I don't want him to outgrow his sense of adventure - just gain a sense

of what is and isn't safe.

On a reverse note - yesterday Adam was at his aunt's house (my older daughter

{Skylar and Mia's mom}). He goes there every Friday evening. Anyway, my daughter

stepped out onto the front porch for a second and Adam locked her out of the

house. He thought this was really funny and wouldn't let her back in. She had

just given Skylar a lecture about not going to answer the door because you don't

know who is there, so when she was ringing the doorbell, Skylar didn't come

either. After about 15 minutes of Adam laughing at her through the window,

Skylar came to find her mom and let her in. When she got in, Mia (18 months old)

was wearing high heels and lip gloss. Needless to say - big time out for Adam.

There is one thing MDS parents and families cannot claim - a dull moment.

Donna

P.S. On potty training - Adam was five when potty trained.

Becky Rowe <rdrsfan31@... <mailto:rdrsfan31%40yahoo.com>

<mailto:rdrsfan31%40yahoo.com> > wrote:

Don't we all feel the urge every now and again to " escape " from our lives?! LOL

So I honestly think the true answer here is NO we never outgrow the urge to

escape...isn't that why it's called " daydreaming " ? LOL If we as adults don't

outgrow it (but at least learn to curb those urges LOL), how should we expect

our kids to outgrow it? LOL

Blessings Abound,

(Becky) Rowe

Family Assistance Coordinator

IMDSA Conference July 10-12, 2009

rdrsfan31@... <mailto:rdrsfan31%40yahoo.com>

<mailto:rdrsfan31%40yahoo.com>

Mom to Trey (8 ADHD) & Austin (5 MDS)

Re: Re: Down syndrome: The " Wandering Gene "

Adam tries to escape also. Just yesterday, he made his attempt. Mom went into

the bathroom. As soon as she closed the door, she heard him take down the baby

gate that leads to the kitchen. Then had to unlock two locks on the door and

would have been out except there is a hook on the screen door that he couldn't

reach. He probably would have gotten that too if he would have had another

minute to pulol over a chair before his mom got there. They have the door knob

covers also, but Adam figured out how to pull them off long ago. My daughter

wrapped duct tape around them to keep him from getting them off. He can still

pull the tape off, but she puts alot and it takes him so long to get it off, it

usually frustrates him and he gives up. We have just installed dead bolt locks

that have keys on both sides so he can't get out. Adam gets up a lot in the

night and will come into the living room to sleep on the couch. He sometimes

turns on the TV or plays a video

game. We

are scared to death of him leaving the house in the middle of the night. He is

not one bit afraid of the dark. A question to those of you with older kids. Do

they out grow this urge to escape?

Donna

Becky <ladynotlistenin@ yahoo.com> wrote:

Oh I cant wait to read all of the post on this one. Hailey has gotten

out of the house on me twice. Scared me half to death. Luckly she

just made it to the end of the driveway. I have locks and child proof

door knob covers on all the doors. But she figured out how to pull

them off. So moms beware those can give you a false since of security.

I was in the back of the house and I forgot to lock the door at the

top because I thought I had it cover with the door knob covers. But

my little Houdini pulled it off and she was on her little adventure.

I am so glad I caught her both times. I now have a really nice lock

on the front door and Im always on top of her because I know just how

quick and smart she can be when she wants out. Thank goodness we live

in the back of the neighborhood and there is no traffic back here.

The good lord was with us. In a article I read one time it said it

was a good idea when going on vacation to alert the front desk that

you have a little houdini and were she belongs just incase. Im going

on vacation next week and I will forsure take that advice. lol I cant

wait to hear the other stories.

>

> Hi Everyone

> In today's Mosaic Moments I wrote about the " wandering gene " and

how children with Down syndrome tend to be the best " Houdinis " and

included some links and tips on what to do about this.

>

> To read my article, please go here or copy and paste (without

spaces): http://mosaicmoment <http://mosaicmoment/> <http://mosaicmoment/

<http://mosaicmoment/> > s.today.com/ 2008/06/19/ down-syndrome- the-

wandering-gene/

>

> I would like to know some of your stories about your children and

how they escaped. Also, please leave a comment if you have some

suggestions for others on how to keep your children safe and how to

teach them about not wandering off.

>

> I look forward to reading your comments on my site!

> Thanks!

>

>

> Kristy Colvin

> IMDSA President

> ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~

> International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

>

> PH:

> Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

> www.imdsa.com

> http://www.mosaicmo <http://www.mosaicmo/> <http://www.mosaicmo/

<http://www.mosaicmo/> > ments.today. com

>

>

>

>