36. A Tough Conversation About Sexual Abuse In The Down Syndrome Community

“This is a complicated issue, but I truly believe that the Down Syndrome community is powerful enough to tackle this,” Lindsey Strickland on sexual abuse against children with Down Syndrome.  We are so grateful to have our wise friend, Lindsey here to engage in this important conversation and empower us all to make a change.  We know sexual abuse is tough to talk about, but our kids are #WorthTheConversation.  Thankfully, today’s guest is well-versed in this conversation.  Lindsey has spent many years working for Child Protective Services as a case manager for at-risk families, and she also grew up with foster siblings who had experienced abuse.  After working as a child advocate in a sexual assault clinic, she began to educate her community about the realities of child sexual abuse.  Her extensive background, heart for outreach, and 6 year-old-son with Down Syndrome all lead her to create Worth The Conversation. 

Lindsey’s online platform serves to empower parents to protect their children with different abilities.  She acknowledges the many risk factors for our kids and encourages families to combat those dangers with fierce advocacy and clear communication.  Remember listeners, you have the right to be present during your child’s therapies, the right to drop in unannounced, and the right to set expectations and boundaries with your child’s doctors, teachers, aides, baby sitters, care givers, and more.  Let’s shout their worth and protect our kiddos, it’s definitely #WorthTheConversation.

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SHOW LINKS

Follow Worth The Conversation on Instagram and be sure to check out their website for more resources.

Keep up with Lindsey Strickland and her family on Instagram at @lindseystrickland.

Read Teaching Children With Down Syndrome About Their Bodies, Boundaries, and Sexuality by Terry Couwenhoven.

Read God Made All of Me by Justin & Lindsey Holcomb.

Read Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski, PhD.

Lindsey used Terry Brown’s So Happy To Learn teaching methods to homeschool Ben, check those out here!

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