Afflicted with down Syndrome Samuel Garner Affleck was born on December 27, 2012 to actors Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner. He is their third child together after daughters Violet and Seraphina. Samuel’s down syndrome diagnosis came as a surprise to the family.
What is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. It is the most common chromosomal abnormality, occurring in approximately 1 in 700 births. The extra genetic material alters development and causes distinct facial features, intellectual disability, and other health problems like heart defects.
People with Down syndrome have widely varying abilities and disabilities. Most can have long, healthy, and fulfilling lives with proper support. Life expectancy has increased dramatically in recent decades, from just 25 in 1983 to around 60 today.
Samuel’s Diagnosis
The Affleck family chose to keep Samuel’s down syndrome diagnosis private when he was born in 2012. Down syndrome samuel garner affleck Two years later, Ben Affleck revealed Samuel had down syndrome during an interview. He said it came as a surprise because prenatal testing showed no indications.
Affleck described grappling with the diagnosis at first. He admitted assuming Samuel would be limited by down syndrome. But he has come to view Samuel as a wonderful child who can do anything other kids do. The parents describe down syndrome Samuel Garner Affleck incredibly sweet and special.
The family continues to protect Samuel’s privacy. Samuel helps teach his older sisters to be caring, compassionate, and accepting. They call Samuel “extraordinary” and an “amazing” child.
Early Intervention and Therapies
Early intervention services are vital for children with down syndrome. Affleck and Garner likely enrolled Samuel in physical, occupational, and speech therapy soon after birth.
Experts recommend children with down syndrome begin therapies as infants. Early intervention takes advantage of neuroplasticity in the brain to build cognitive, motor, and language skills. Consistent therapy helps minimize developmental delays.
Children often work on skills like sitting, crawling, walking, feeding, grasping objects, and communicating. Therapies continue through the toddler and school-age years with focus shifting toward independence. Affleck and Garner have surely provided Samuel with top-quality services.
Health Considerations
In addition to developmental delays, down syndrome comes with potential health complications. Samuel has perhaps faced issues like:
- Heart defects – Approximately 50% of children with down syndrome are born with heart problems like holes in the heart. These often require surgery to correct.
- Low muscle tone – Hypotonia makes it harder for children with down syndrome to roll, sit, stand, and walk. Therapies build strength and coordination.
- Vision problems – Eye issues like cataracts, near-sightedness, and strabismus occur frequently.
- Hearing loss – Ear problems are common, so hearing should be monitored.
- Obstructive sleep apnea – This breathing disorder during sleep is more likely. Treatment may involve surgery or CPAP machine.
- Thyroid dysfunction – Hypothyroidism is 10-15 times more likely compared to general population.
Samuel may have faced some of these challenges. With the Affleck’s resources, Samuel presumably has top medical care to stay healthy.
Education Options
Once Samuel turned 3, it was time to consider preschools. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act guarantees special education services for children with disabilities.
The Affleck’s likely explored options like early childhood special education programs, Head Start classes focused on inclusion, and private preschools willing to accommodate Samuel’s needs. They probably settled on the best fit for Samuel. The goal would be building pre-academic skills like counting, alphabet recognition, and socialization.
Now that Samuel is elementary school aged, the Affleck’s have several education options to choose from:
- Mainstream classroom with supports like an aide, therapies, modified curriculum.
- Dedicated special education classroom within a public school.
- Private school focused specifically on children with special needs.
- Homeschooling with tailored lessons and therapies.
Research shows that integrating students with and without disabilities benefits both academically and socially. The family must weigh options to build Samuel’s reading, writing, math, and friendship skills throughout his school career. College is also a possibility given adequate preparation.
Life Skills and Independence
While education is important, so are practical life skills that enable independence. Occupational therapy likely focuses on helping Samuel master abilities like:
- Dressing himself
- Brushing his teeth
- Toileting
- Preparing simple snacks and meals
- Household chores
- Using money
Mastering these essential tasks allows Samuel to be more self-sufficient as an adult. The parents of down syndrome Samuel Garner Affleckseem to emphasize abilities rather than limitations. With work, he can likely hold a job, live independently, and meaningfully participate in the community.
Social Life
Raising a child with down syndrome has its challenges, but also profound rewards. The Affleck family leans on one another.
Samuel probably has close relationships with parents Ben and Jennifer as well as older sisters Violet and Seraphina. Support from family provides a sense of identity and confidence. Siblings often form a particularly close bond.
The family also exposes Samuel to positive social opportunities, like school, community activities, and forming friendships. They treat him as a full member of the family.
Research shows people with down syndrome often rank social inclusion as a top priority. Meaningful social connections enhance quality of life. The Affleck’s appear devoted to ensuring Samuel feels loved and accepted.
Celebrating Milestones
Despite needing extra help in some areas, Samuel hits childhood milestones like any kid. The Affleck’s surely celebrate accomplishments such as:
- Saying first words like “mama” and “dada”
- Taking first steps while learning to walk
- Riding a bike with training wheels
- Reading first books in school
- Learning to swim
- Making a friend
- Joining a Little League team
- Starring in a school play
- Learning to cook
- Going to a school dance
- Getting a first job
Samuel’s successes may come slower than average, but his eager family cheers him on each step of the way. Each milestone marks progress.
Promoting Awareness
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner have continued acting careers alongside raising a family. They’ve used their celebrity platform to promote down syndrome awareness.
Affleck has spoken about Samuel in interviews to help dispel outdated assumptions. He contributes to nonprofits supporting inclusion for people with disabilities.
In 2013, Garner was given the Congressional Leadership Award by the American Academy of Pediatrics for advocating for early childhood education. She also supports organizations helping families with Down syndrome.
The famous family undoubtedly directs plenty of time, energy and resources toward giving Samuel the best life possible. Their efforts also help shift public perceptions of Down syndrome. They show what individuals with disabilities can achieve when given opportunities.
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Looking Toward the Future
Down syndrome used to severely limit life prospects. Today, education, medical care and public inclusion have transformed the possibilities.
Samuel may always need some degree of care and support from family. But with preparation, he can likely transition to adulthood, continued schooling or working, semi-independent living and community participation.
A 2017 study found that nearly 80% of young adults with Down syndrome lived at home. About 20% lived in group homes with supervision. Around 3 in 4 had jobs or volunteer positions. Their quality of life was comparable to peers without disabilities.
The future looks bright for Samuel to find meaning and purpose as an adult. The Affleck’s have given him the gift of unconditional love and acceptance as he grows. Samuel will surely continue touching hearts and exceeding expectations.
Conclusion
The experience of down syndrome Samuel Garner Affleck’s family illustrates that down syndrome comes with unique challenges and gifts. Early intervention, educational inclusion and high expectations enable children with down syndrome to defy limitations. Samuel Garner Affleck has the devoted support of loving parents and sisters. He has access to top care. While each milestone may take a little longer, his family celebrates each one.