Friday, November 19, 2010

Signs of Down's Syndrome






Down Syndrome Facts 
The incidence of a child being born with Down syndrome increases with maternal age. Even though this is true, almost 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to mothers who are under the age of 35. The reason for this is that most women give birth before the age of 35.

Children born with Down syndrome must have a thorough medical examination performed. Almost 40% of infants with Down syndrome are born with heart anomalies. Some of these children are born with thyroid, vision, hearing, or gastrointestinal abnormalities. The earlier these problems are detected, the better. Sometimes these abnormalities can be totally cured, if not, proper treatment and care from the beginning will help in minimizing the damage.

Children born with Down syndrome develop more slowly (mentally and physically) than normal children. They may suffer from digestive problems, they get infected more easily; mostly lung infection affecting proper breathing, constipation, eye and ear infections, and in rare cases leukemia. Many kids will not have even one of these symptoms except for different facial features and slow growth.

Any child can be born with Down syndrome irrespective of the parents race, nationality, and socio-economic status.

Someone who does not have Down syndrome at birth can't get it for life. It is not contagious and can't be spread by any means.

Currently there is no cure for Down syndrome. Other major accompanying complications such as heart problems can be cured surgically.

Many with Down syndrome pass out successfully from high school and college, and have full time jobs.

Due to their unusual looks and behavior many think that those with Down syndrome are mentally retarded. Those suffering from Down syndrome are not mentally retarded. The following two points prove this.

Chris Burke who played the role of Charles 'Corky' Thacher for 4 years in the hit TV series 'Life Goes On' is a living example that a person with Down syndrome can lead an almost normal life. Today he is Ambassador of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). He not only travels around the US giving inspirational speeches to Down syndrome children and parents, but also writes a column and responds to queries in the NDSS magazine.

Jane Cameron - 1949-2000 (artist whose tapestries hang around the world), Sujeet Desai (musician, married and well settled), and Michael Jurogue Johnson (artist), all suffer/suffered from the Down syndrome. There are many more with Down syndrome who have become famous.

Signs of Down syndrome 
A doctor may be able to tell if a child is born with the Down syndrome in the delivery room itself if one or more of the following are seen in the newborn.
-- Face that is flatter than normal
-- Eyes that slant upward
-- Ears that are abnormally shaped
-- Neck that is shorter than normal
-- Eyes with Brushfield spots (white spots on the iris)

Having any one or all of these is only suggestive of Down syndrome and the doctor will have to send blood samples for tests to confirm Down syndrome.

Coping with Down Syndrome Children 
Parents who hear that their child is born with Down syndrome usually break down. What comes to their mind instantly is a child that is not normal, and will continue to grow up abnormally life long. With this the extra care that that will be constantly required.

There are many Down syndrome groups for parents (mostly women) all over the US. Find the one closest to your home and join it as soon as you get to know that your child suffers from Down syndrome. All these groups are not sympathy groups that will console you, but help you help your kid grow up as normally as possible. There are many, many things that members of the group share; things that you can't read in any book, nor things that any doctor will be able to tell. This is because here you are with real parents who have first hand experience of bringing up real children suffering from Down syndrome.

Children with Down syndrome look different, talk different, and behave different. This leads many to make fun of such children. Do your part whenever you something like this happens. NEVER tease a child (or adult) with Down syndrome. If you see someone doing it, stop them immediately and report it to the principal or their parents if possible.

What should be realized is that given the correct love, care, and attention, almost all those with Down syndrome will lead an almost perfect and happy life. They may never go on to become rocket scientists, but lead a life where nobody looks at them with pity, but with pride.


information found at: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/down-syndrome-facts.html

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