Children with Down syndrome often exhibit some common physical features Down syndrome, although these can vary among individuals. Some typical characteristics include:
1. Distinctive Facial Features:
– Upward slanting almond-shaped eyes.
– Flattened facial profile.
– Small nose and flat nasal bridge.
– Protruding tongue.
2. Head and Neck:
– Smaller head size.
– Short neck.
3. Hands and Feet:
– Shorter fingers.
– A single, deep crease across the palm
– Wide gap between the first and second toe.
4. Muscle Tone:
– Decreased muscle tone (hypotonia).
Cognitive Symptoms:
• Walk and move (gross and fine motor skills).
• Speak (language development skills).
• Learn (cognitive skills).
• Play (social and emotional skills).
• Toilet training.
• Speaking their first words.
• Taking their first steps.
• Eating food independently
Behaviour Symptoms:
• Stubbornness and tantrums.
• Difficulty paying attention.
• Obsessive or compulsive / aggressive behaviours.
Trisomy 21. About 95 percent of the time, Down syndrome is caused by trisomy 21 the person has three copies of chromosome 21, instead of the usual two copies, in all cells. This is caused by abnormal cell division during the development of the sperm cell or the egg cell.
• Mosaic Down syndrome. In this rare form of Down syndrome, a person has only some cells with an extra copy of chromosome 21. This mosaic of normal and abnormal cells is caused by abnormal cell division after fertilization.
• Translocation Down syndrome. Down syndrome can also occur when a portion of chromosome 21 becomes attached onto another chromosome, before or at conception. These children have the usual two copies of chromosome 21, but they also have additional genetic material from chromosome 21 attached to another chromosome.
1. Previous Child with Down
Syndrome: If a woman has previously given birth to a child with Down syndrome, the likelihood of having another child with the condition may be higher.
2. Family History: Individuals who have a parent with a translocation involving chromosome 21 may be at an increased risk.
3. Certain Medical Conditions:
Women with certain medical conditions, such as being carriers of the genetic translocation associated with Down syndrome, may have an increased risk.
Heart defects.
fifty percent children with Down syndrome are born with some type of congenital heart defect.
• Gastrointestinal (GI) defects:- abnormalities of the intestines, esophagus, trachea and anus.
• Immune disorders. Because of abnormalities in their immune systems, people with Down syndrome are at increased risk of developing autoimmune disorders.
• Sleep apnea. Because of soft tissue and skeletal changes that lead to the obstruction of their airways, children and adults with Down syndrome are at greater risk of obstructive sleep apnea.
• Obesity. People with Down syndrome have a greater tendency to be obese compared with the general population.
• Spinal problems. Some people with Down syndrome may have a misalignment of the top two vertebrae in the neck
• Leukemia. Young children with Down syndrome have an increased risk of leukemia.
• Dementia. Having Down syndrome also increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Management strategies for Down Syndrome:
There is a vital role in supporting individuals with Down syndrome by providing educational programs and therapeutic interventions to address their unique learning needs. It involves a multidisciplinary team approach including special educationist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, psychologist, speech therapist and diet & nutrition.
Role of Special Educationist:
Special education plays a vital role in supporting individuals with Down syndrome by adapting customized educational approaches to their unique needs. This includes individualized instruction, adaptive teaching strategies, and a focus on developing social and communication skills. Special education creates inclusive environments, ensuring that individuals with Down syndrome receive the support needed to maximize their learning potential and promote overall development.
Role of Clinical Psychologist:
Psychologists play a vital role in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome by providing various services. They conduct assessments to understand cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, and social skills. Psychologists offer interventions to address specific challenges, such as learning difficulties or behavioral issues, and work closely with families and educators to create tailored support plans. Additionally, they contribute to promoting positive mental health, encouraging social integration, and enhancing overall quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome.
Role of Occupational Therapist:
Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with Down syndrome. It focuses on enhancing their independence and improving their quality of life. Occupational therapists work to develop skills needed for daily activities, such as self-care, communication, and fine motor skills. Additionally, they address sensory processing issues and promote social and cognitive development, independence and participation in various life roles.
Role of Physiotherapist:
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in Down syndrome by addressing motor challenges, improving muscle tone, and promoting overall physical development. Therapists focus on enhancing mobility, strength, and coordination, facilitating independence in daily activities. By targeting specific needs, physiotherapy contributes to the well-being and quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome.
Role of Speech Therapist:
Down syndrome individuals also benefit from speech therapy. It is common for many children with Down syndrome to initiate speech later than their counterparts. A speech therapist plays an important role in assisting young individuals in acquiring the developmental skills necessary for speech and other modes of communication. Additionally, speech therapy proves advantageous for children with Down syndrome, aiding them in improving clarity of speech and enhancing their ability to articulate thoughts, desires, and needs more effectively.
Role of Diet & Nutrition:
Nutritionists play a vital role in the care and well-being of children with Down syndrome. Down syndrome can be associated with certain medical conditions which may impact dietary requirements. Nutritionists work closely with families, caregivers, and healthcare teams to ensure that children with Down syndrome receive a well-balanced diet that meets their specific needs for growth, development, and overall health. They may also provide guidance on managing weight, addressing feeding difficulties, and incorporating appropriate supplements if necessary.
Discover compassionate care and support for Down Syndrome treatment in Lahore at Mability. Our dedicated team is committed to providing comprehensive and personalized treatment for individuals with Down Syndrome. From specialized education programs to targeted therapies, we tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of each individual.
Trust Mability to be your partner in the journey towards enhanced well-being and a brighter future.
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