DOWN SYNDROME

What is Down Syndrome?

Down Syndrome is the most common and most easy to identify condition associated with intellectual disabilities. It is caused by an accident in cell development resulting in 47 instead of the usual 46 chromosomes. It is the DNA in our bodies that determine how we develop, and this extra chromosome changes the orderly development of the body and brain, causing some characteristic physical features, some health and development challenges and some level of intellectual disability.

The level of intellectual disability in Down Syndrome may range from mild to severe, with the majority functioning in the mild to moderate range. It is important to recognize that Down Syndrome is a genetic condition, and that it is not an illness or disease. Down Syndrome is not contagious and in most common forms, do not occur more than once in a family.

Signs and Diagnosis

A test for Down Syndrome can be carried out before a baby is born, and it is usually recognized at birth and confirmed by a blood test. Some common characteristics of Down Syndrome include slanting eyes with folds of skin at the inner corners, short, broad hands with a single crease across the palm on one or both hands, flat bridge of the nose, broad feet with short toes and short, low-set ears. Children with Down Syndrome often have hyper-flexibility or an excessive ability to extend the joints, and also short, high-pitched cries in infancy. They are also usually smaller than their non-disabled peers, and their physical as well as intellectual development is slower.

 

Treatment

There is no single, standard treatment for Down Syndrome and treatments are based on each child’s physical and intellectual needs, as well as his or her personal strengths and limitations. A child with Down Syndrome will benefit from the care of physicians, special educators, speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and social workers who should provide stimulation and encouragement.

Children with Down Syndrome typically face delays in some areas of development, so early intervention is highly recommended. The most common early intervention services for babies with Down Syndrome are physical therapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy.

It is important to understand that each child with Down Syndrome has his or her own talents and capacities, which should be recognized and reinforced. They should be encouraged to be independent and taught self-care skills such as getting dressed, grooming and doing laundry, and given chores according to their mental capacity, attention span, and abilities.

Children with Down Syndrome frequently have specific health-related problems. Their lowered resistance to infection makes them more prone to respiratory problems and common illnesses, especially in early childhood. Other health problems include far or nearsightedness and crossed eyes, mild to moderate hearing loss and speech difficulty. Around one third of babies born with Down Syndrome have heart defects, most of which are now successfully correctable. An active lifestyle with plenty of physical activity helps to counterbalance the tendency of children and adults with Down Syndrome to become over weight, and encourages general health and fitness.

Children with Down Syndrome should be educated in the regular classroom, alongside other children. Separate schooling would be necessary only if the nature or severity of the disability is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily. Providing the opportunity for children with Down Syndrome to go to a school with their peers from their community has many benefits including paving the way for a smooth transition to adulthood and meaningful inclusion in the community.  Their aspirations, like that of their peers, could be finding a good place to live, meaningful employment, the company of friends and family, intimacy and having a role in the community.

Whilst some people with Down Syndrome may not need too much help, others could require a lot of support with developing independent living and self-care skills, the possibility of higher education or vocational training, and how to connect with adult service systems. When given these opportunities and support, they can become worthy and productive members of their families and the community.

Source:

http://nichcy.org/disability/specific