Early Attention Is Required With Children With Down Syndrome

children with Down syndrome

Down syndrome, resulting from the presence of an extra chromosome #21, is the most common genetic disorder that causes mental retardation. Children with Down syndrome often have upward slanting eyes, unusually shaped ears, broad hands, flattened facial features and a small head. Often, babies with Down syndrome suffer from poor muscle tone, auditory/visual impairments and slow development.

Children with this chromosomal disorder will have tribulations early on. Parents should be aware of the special-care needs for babies with Down syndrome as early as possible, to prepare themselves for the challenges that lie ahead. Some babies require medication to address a heart defect, while others require physical therapy sessions to help develop better muscle tone and coordination. Some syndrome babies have a difficult time learning to breastfeed at first, which is sometimes related to stomach or intestinal blockages. Eye, ear, nose, throat and thyroid problems are not uncommon, as is late teething. The main thing to keep in mind is that the baby will eventually get there, but patience and offering loving support are critical to the child's development.

The educational needs for children with Down syndrome vary, depending on the degree of mental retardation. Early intervention and skill assessment is the key to relating to the child on terms he or she can relate with. For example, often concrete concepts are more easily understood than abstract ideas. Step-by-step teaching and providing consistent feedback are two techniques that can help the developmentally disabled. In the past, Down syndrome children went to separate schools or were home-schooled. Now, the mainstreaming of these children is proving effective at decreasing the emotional gap between children with this chromosomal disorder and those without. In countries like Denmark or Germany, a two-teacher approach allows these kids to observe and be exposed to others, while focusing on their special needs.

In the early 1900s, children with Down syndrome rarely lived past ten. Even in 1980, the Down syndrome life span was 25 years, on average. Today, the typical life expectancy has reached 50, although 15 out of 100 people live past 68. Better treatment and advocacy, as well as programs to facilitate independent living and career development have allowed many adults with Down syndrome to lead very fulfilling, enjoyable lives. Regularly scheduled checkups with a primary physician are critical to a healthy, happy future.