Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is a genetic problem caused by an error in cell division of the 21st Chromosome. A child is born with this condition and it remains with him/her for the duration of life. There is no correlation between actions during pregnancy and this occurrence, though there is a higher risk as the age of a woman increases.
Down syndrome can be detected during pregnancy if the parents wish to run special diagnostic tests, or diagnosis can wait until birth. At birth, there are certain physical characteristics that might help identify Down syndrome for farther testing and diagnosis. In general, children with Down syndrome have smaller features. They have small hands, feet, ears, and oral cavities. They may however, have a larger tongue that protrudes from this small oral cavity. They often have wide set eyes of almond shape that slant upward slightly. Other facial features appear flattened many times. Poor muscle tone may not be evident at birth, but it can be detected later and is very common to Down syndrome.
If the parents choose to find out during pregnancy, it can give them time to prepare for raising a child with special needs. A child with Down syndrome can have mild to severe learning disabilities and will develop at a slower pace than children with the normal number of chromosomes. In most cases, they can attend public schools and receive all of the services they need. Knowing a baby is Down syndrome before birth gives the parents extra time to find the best schools and services for their special needs child. Some therapies that may be needed are physical therapy, speech therapy, and developmental therapy.
There are also increased health risks outside of learning. Heart defects are common to Down syndrome and should be tested at birth. As with all aspects of this syndrome, there is a broad range of possible issues. These heart problems may require surgery or just careful monitoring. These children also have an increased risk of infection, respiratory, thyroid, vision and hearing problems.
With the right monitoring, attention, therapy, related services, and love, children with Down syndrome can lead a pretty normal life. The most important thing to remember is these children are more like their peers than they are different and they should be encouraged to be independent, too.
There are also increased health risks outside of learning. Heart defects are common to Down syndrome and should be tested at birth. As with all aspects of this syndrome, there is a broad range of possible issues. These heart problems may require surgery or just careful monitoring. These children also have an increased risk of infection, respiratory, thyroid, vision and hearing problems.
With the right monitoring, attention, therapy, related services, and love, children with Down syndrome can lead a pretty normal life. The most important thing to remember is these children are more like their peers than they are different and they should be encouraged to be independent, too.
Harms, R. (Ed.). (1998). Down syndrome. Retrieved November 27, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/down-syndrome/basics/causes/con-20020948
Facts About Down Syndrome. (2012). Retrieved November 27, 2014, from http://www.nads.org/pages_new/facts.html
Facts About Down Syndrome. (2012). Retrieved November 27, 2014, from http://www.nads.org/pages_new/facts.html