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. The more children are exposed to early on, the more chance they have for living productive, fulfilling lives.
People who are afflicted with Down syndrome encounter many physical challenges that others do not. Their motor skill development is slow, so they will learn to breastfeed, roll over, walk and talk, as well as teeth later than other children their age. This can be frustrating for both the Down syndrome child and the parents who are repeatedly confronted with their own mistaken expectations. Another physical risk is, of course, the associated health problems. Many babies with Down syndrome undergo heart, ear and eye surgeries before one year of age. There are later risks of epilepsy, obesity, heart disease, ear infections, thyroid disease, throat infections, pneumonia and osteoarthritis.
There will be developmental challenges for people with Down syndrome in the years that lie ahead, but with early intervention some adults with Down syndrome can live relatively independently. Challenges later in life are much like challenges others face; the trials and tribulations of the dating world, finding a job, or living on one's own. However, with Down syndrome it's just a little bit harder. It's true that prejudice and cruelty has decreased significantly just over the last 20 years and there are more community programs now than ever to help facilitate career advancement and normalization. Yet results vary from place to place and situation to situation. Down syndrome support can be sought for those who will never lead independent lives.
Advocacy is the key to the advances in the lives of people born with Down syndrome. Thanks to organizations like the National Down Syndrome Society and the National Association for Down Syndrome, the public, policymakers, educators, physicians, parents and Down syndrome children are more educated and supportive of the challenges they face. Recently, Chris Burke ("Corky" from the 1989-1993 TV series "Life Goes On") was featured in People Magazine. "It was the first show of its kind," Burke says. "It changed the way people viewed Down syndrome, and I'm so glad to have been a part of it." Now, at age 42, he's the lead singer of a touring folk trio and a goodwill ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society. He explains, "I want to let people with Down syndrome know that they shouldn't give up. I want them to think 'I can make a difference in people's lives.'"
Related topics about people with down syndrome
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.
child with down syndrome
As a parent of a child with Down syndrome, you play a critical role in helping your child to develop to his or her full potential. Some parents feel overwhelmed and incapable of offering the necessary love and support, so they opt for foster homes or adoption. However, most parents meet the challenge head-on, with the support of National Down Syndrome Society programs aimed at helping prepare new parents for everything they are about to face.
what causes down syndrome
Most mothers don't worry about what causes Down syndrome unless they are over 35, which is said to be the risk factor age. Down syndrome, a major cause of mental retardation, occurs in 1 out of every 800 births (5,000/year) and is the most common genetic condition. After many years of scientific research, what causes this syndrome can only be traced to one clear link: maternal and paternal age.