Down Syndrome, A Guide for Parents

Down Syndrome is a common health condition that affects the ability to think and act in normal ways. People with this syndrome are differently abled and have a different pace and way of performing regular day-to-day work. This makes it the most common form of intellectual disability in the world and occurs in approximately 1 out of every 1000 babies born alive.

 

Apart from being a physical and intellectual challenge for people with this condition, Down Syndrome is a taboo that needs to be eradicated. Also, many related health complications go unnoticed due to its taboo aspect. However, with proper support and intervention people with the condition can live fuller and more productive lives. 

 

Here is a guide about what this condition is and how parents can manage to enhance the quality of life of children and adults with this condition.

 

What is Down Syndrome?

Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder that is caused due to abnormal cell division leading to the birth of a baby with an extra chromosome number 21. This means that people with this condition are born with three, rather than two, copies of chromosome 21. This extra chromosome may affect a child’s mental and physical development and his or her facial features. A child with Down Syndrome has distinct facial features like a flattened face, protruding tongue, small head, upward slanting eyelids, short height, poor muscle tone, and short neck. 

 

The severity of the condition may vary from individual to individual. Early intervention and rehabilitation can help children and adults with this condition and can improve the quality of their learning and life.

 

What are the Concerns in People with Down Syndrome?

Difficulty in learning and delay in achieving most of the developmental milestones are seen as major challenges for children and adults with Down Syndrome. However, apart from learning disabilities, there are other medical conditions as well which are common in people with this condition. 

There is a delay in their motor skills development, especially standing position and walking ability. Some of the serious complications may include 

 

  • heart defects,  
  • a weaker immune system making the person prone to many contagious diseases, 
  • blood disorders that may include leukaemia (blood cancer)
  • hypothyroidism
  • stomach and digestive issues
  • poor muscle tone is also known as hypotonia
  • hearing loss
  • infections
  • mental health and emotional problems including anxiety, depression, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

These conditions may not be common in all children or adults with Down Syndrome. Not every person with Down Syndrome will have such serious health conditions. Also, the above-mentioned complications can be treated with medicines, surgeries, or other international practices.

Diagnosis and Reasons

Down Syndrome is usually detected during pregnancy based on the infant’s appearance during the ultrasound. This can further be confirmed with blood tests and examining the child’s chromosome which is known as a karyotype. 

 The condition can happen due to multiple reasons however it may occur even without the following reasons. Some of the common reasons can be: 

 

  • Advancing maternal age. The chances of conceiving a down syndrome baby increase if the mother’s age is above 35 years.
  • The habit of smoking and alcohol in either of the parents.
  • Genetic translocation transfer from either of the parents to their children.
  • A couple already having a Down Syndrome child. In this case, there are chances that their next child could also be a Down Syndrome kid. However, it is not always the case, and there are cases where the second child doesn’t have this condition.
Precautions and Preventive Care for People with Down Syndrome

So far there is no treatment or prevention for Down Syndrome. It is a lifelong condition. However, some precautions can be taken to avoid further health complications: 

 

  • Getting your child screened at regular intervals ensures that they get proper treatment in case of any complications.
  • Providing primary care like physiotherapy, speech therapy, behavioural therapy, and occupational therapy to improve the quality of their life. 
  • Taking immunity shots and required medications at the proper time to avoid infections and contagious diseases. 

Last but not the least, it is very important to provide a positive and inclusive atmosphere of love, care, and acceptance at home, community level, schools and workplace. This helps them become part of the mainstream and boost their self-esteem and emotional health and fight the taboo associated with this health condition.

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