In Spite of Challenging Times for Our Beloved, We Remain Committed to Our Strategy
In a heartwarming display of resilience, a family living with Angelman syndrome has adopted a unique approach to manage their daily activities. This strategy, traditionally based on military tactics, is known as dividing and conquering.
Angelman syndrome is a condition that affects some children, causing them to smile often but also potentially leading to anxiety and health issues. The family, in their quest to make the best of difficult situations, employs this strategy to ensure that both children can enjoy their activities, even when one is not feeling well.
Last Easter, the family used this divide and conquer strategy when Juliana, the child with Angelman syndrome, woke up with stomach trouble. While Marisa attended to Juliana, her 10-year-old daughter, Jessa, went to church with her father. Last week, the family split their plans for swimming: the father took Jessa to the pool while Marisa kept Juliana at home in a pop-up splash pool.
The divide and conquer strategy is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. However, it provides the family with flexibility, allowing them to manage unexpected situations that may arise when living with Angelman syndrome. It gives them choices, enabling them to participate in activities even when one child is experiencing illness or behavioral issues.
Special needs families, according to Marisa, often miss out on things due to illness or behavioral issues. Dividing and conquering helps them to keep their plans when bowing out is not an option. Switching gears quickly is essential for the family to tackle concerns of isolation.
The family takes steps to limit isolation caused by their different lifestyle compared to friends and family members. They make an effort to get out as a family or take staycations to relax despite the challenges posed by Angelman syndrome.
For families living with Angelman syndrome, it's important to remember that every situation is unique. The family's use of the divide and conquer strategy is just one way they have found to make the best of difficult situations.
If you're a family living with Angelman syndrome and would like support and advice, the organization "Angelman e.V." is there for you. They can be reached at phone number 02161 / 3046026, via email at [email protected], or online at www.angelman.de.
The opinions expressed in this article are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Angelman syndrome. Marisa Wexler, the author of this piece, invites you to share your thoughts and experiences.
