Children With Down Syndrome
Parents of children with Down syndrome are flooded with a barrage of emotions. They may experience disappointment, anger, grief, frustration, fear and anxiety. Mothers over the age 35, who have a higher chance of having a baby with Down syndrome, may experience guilt or self-blame. These feelings naturally come up, which is why establishing a support network is important for new parents. Talking with others who've been through the same challenges will offer inspiration and ensure the best possible upbringing for the developmentally disabled child.
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.
Children with Down syndrome often have physical therapy needs as well, but with parental guidance and encouragement, they can learn crucial skills. Babies with Down syndrome can strengthen muscles and improve coordination through directed play. A physical therapist can provide new parents with instructions. Many children learn to eat step-by-step, first hand-fed, then using their fingers, finally learning to use silverware. While learning to dress can take extra time and explanation, the Downs child can learn through practice and repetition. It helps stress the importance of grooming and hygiene by establishing a daily routine, gradually adding new tasks for the child to perform independently. While it seems like a lot of work at first, parents may find they enjoy being a special teacher, and that every small milestone is celebrated. Raising children with this chromosomal disorder encourages parents to embrace the small triumphs in life.
There are certain health risks for children with Down syndrome. About half of all Down syndrome babies are born with congenital heart defects and 60% suffer an eye disease, including cataracts (15%) and the need for corrective glasses or contact lenses (50%). Nearly 75% suffer hearing loss, sleep apnea and persistent ear infections. Other problems include thyroid disease (15%), gastrointestinal atresias (12%) and acquired hip dislocation (6%). Less than 1% of all cases report leukemia or Hirschsprung disease. Over time, adults with Down syndrome may suffer respiratory infections, heart disease, surgery for bowel obstruction or cataracts, hearing loss, epilepsy and osteoarthritis.
Related topics about children with down syndrome
down syndrome
Down syndrome affects roughly 1/1,000 American babies. While it's every parent's worst nightmare to receive a Down syndrome diagnosis, 75% of all parents with a Down syndrome child will tell you the experience was ultimately extremely rewarding. Raising any child is never easy and raising a developmentally disabled child will certainly require more patience.
down syndrome screening
Having a baby is an exciting time, whether it's your first or your fifth. It is only natural to feel optimistic and assume everything will be fine. However, if you are over 35, if you smoked while taking oral contraceptives or if Down syndrome runs in your family, then you may want to opt for Down syndrome screening so you know what to expect.
people with down syndrome
All people with Down syndrome can't be expected to be math wizards or complete high school social studies exams. However, early integration for Down syndrome children is extremely important in helping them achieve successes and set realistic goals. Being exposed to many different subjects and hobbies is also important, as Down syndrome research suggests, since many are prodigies in art or music.