Helen Law (thoughts sharing)

Down syndrome is associated with some impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.

Children with Down syndrome tend to have a lower-than-average cognitive ability, often ranging from mild to moderate disabilities. 

It is a condition in which extra genetic material causes delays in the way a child develops, both mentally and physically.

Normally, at the time of conception a baby inherits genetic information from its parents in the form of 46 chromosomes: 23 from the mother and 23 from the father.

In most cases of Down syndrome, a child gets an extra chromosome 21 — for a total of 47 chromosomes instead of 46.  It is this extra genetic material that causes the physical features and developmental delays associated with Down Syndrome.

Symptoms of Down Syndrome

Many of the common physical features of Down syndrome are...

* A flat face profile,

* Unusually round face, a short neck, small ears

* Shorter limbs and a protruding tongue

* Upward slant to the eyes, a small broad nose

* A small mouth

* A flattening at the back of the head.

* Broad hands with a single crease.

* Floppiness due to loose muscle tone.

* A low birth weight and short stature.

Complications of Down Syndrome

* Heart defects

* Eye abnormalities, such as short- or long-sightedness or cataracts

* Hearing  loss, ranging from mild to complete deafness.

* Thyroid problems, low or high levels of the thyroid hormones.

* Poor immunity, are prone to chest infections, coughs and colds.

* Digestive problems,  such as persistent diarrhoea or constipation

* Babies may have feeding problems, may not gain weight normally.

* Respiratory infections

* Exhibit moderate to severe mental retardation

* Children usually develop more slowly than their peers

* Have trouble learning to walk, talk, and take care of themselves.

Medical problems associated with Down syndrome can vary widely from child to child. Some children with Down syndrome have needs that are best met in a specialized program and may need a lot of medical attention. 

Some of the problems commonly faced include heart defects, thyroid, muscle, joint, hearing problems and vision. Recent studies indicate that 66 to 89% of children with Down syndrome have a hearing loss due to the fact that the external ear and the bones of the middle and inner ear may develop differently.

In addition to hearing disorders, visual problems also may be present early in life. Cataracts occur in approximately 3% of children with Down syndrome, but can be surgically removed.

The hearing and vision problems seen in children with Down syndrome are no different from those seen in other children. Hearing problems are evaluated by an audiologist and children with vision problems will see an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Children with Down syndrome show certain learning disabilities. The development of cognitive abilities is slower than other children. They may delay in speech, self-care skills and mild to moderate intellectual impairment. So, they need additional support in their years of education.

They can attend regular schools but require some special assistance in education. Speech therapies and behavioral training can help them cope up with their school activities.  

It may take children with Down syndrome longer than other children to reach develop- mental milestones, but many of these milestones will eventually be met.

Living with Down Syndrome (DS)

Parents should not compare the developmental progress of children with DS to the progress of their  siblings or other children. Children with Down syndrome can learn and are capable of developing skills throughout their lives.

They simply reach goals at a different pace.  Parents should keep in mind that your children with Down syndrome have a wide range of abilities and talents.

In many important ways, children who have Down syndrome are very much the same as other children. They have the same moods and emotions, they like to learn new things, play and enjoy life.

Parents can help your children by providing as many experiences as possible for them to do these things. Read to your children and play with them just as you would with any other children. Help your children have positive experiences meeting new people and places.

Some children with Down syndrome can do well attending schools alongside their  peers who don't have DS. Studies have shown that this type of situation, is beneficial for both the child with DS as well as the other children. With parental guidance and encouragement, they can learn crucial skills.

The learning experiences in schools also give your children the foundation for life through the development of academic skills as well as social abilities. Thus, providing them with the  feeling of self-esteem and enjoyment.

Early intervention is a program of therapies, exercises and activities designed to specifically help children with Down syndrome or other disabilities. The program aims at building motor skills, language and social abilities in children.

Physical, occupational, speech therapists and early-childhood educators can work with your children to encourage and accelerate development. The children are stimulated with suitable physical and mental activities at an early age.

Today pre-schools, nurseries, and integrated special education strategies have demonstrated that children with Down syndrome can participate in many learning experiences which can positively influence their overall functioning.

Research has shown that early intervention, environmental enrichment, children with Down syndrome, like all children, can benefit from sensory stimulation, specific exercises involving gross and fine motor activities, and instruction in cognitive development.

The schools play an important role in the young children's life by providing opportunities for them to engage in sharing relationships with others to prepare them to become productive citizens.

Most pediatricians have experience dealing with the common medical issues seen in children with Down syndrome.

Most common early intervention services for children with Down syndrome are physical therapy and speech therapy. Physical therapist focuses on motor development. The goal of physical therapy is to teach the children to move their bodies in appropriate ways, and to improve their muscle tone.

Speech therapy is a very important treatment because children with Down syndrome often have small mouths and protruding tongues, they have trouble speaking clearly. A speech therapist will work with the children to help them learn to communicate clearly.

Studies show that early intervention enhance your children's development and help them to  overcome developmental delays. The children with Down syndrome who were involved in early intervention programs developed faster than even the average child.

Most dramatic is the difference between children with Down syndrome who were part of an early intervention program and those who did not participate.

Coping with the emotional and practical aspects of caring for your children with Down syndrome can be overwhelming for parents. It would  be helpful to meet with a social workers, counselors, or family members to talk about feelings or concerns.

Joining a Down syndrome support groups can also be helpful. In support groups, family members get together to share what they have learned about coping with Down syndrome. In order to give the best care for your children, you must first take care of yourself.

To your parenting success

Guide to Holistic Childhood Education

Contact: 603-41054382 N0. 11 Jalan H1, Taman Melawati,   53100 Kuala Lumpur