It is believed that around 5,000
of the babies born in the USA each year, have Down syndrome. The syndrome is
named after Dr John Langdon Down who identified the syndrome in 1866. It is
caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 in all the cells of the body.
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| Down Syndrome |
The reason why it happens is
unknown and it can occur in any family. There is no proof that is affects a
specific race or sex more than the others. Mothers over 40 have a greater
chance of having a baby with Down syndrome than younger mothers. Having one
baby with Down syndrome doesn't mean it will affect all babies born after that,
but the risk becomes higher.
Children with Down syndrome have
specific physical features such as a round face and small chin. Many also have
vision problems and tend to wear glasses. Growth is normally slowed down and
they seldom grow very tall. Almond shaped eyes and an oversized tongue are
other typical features. Because of the oversized tongues, speech can sometimes
be difficult.
Their cognitive abilities are
usually lower than those of other children and a small number are severely
mentally disabled. These children are more prone to heart diseases, ear
infections and thyroid problems than other children. Treating this at a young
age is necessary to prevent further illnesses later in their lives.
Caring for a child with Down
syndrome has its own challenges but parents of these children often report the
special bond that they have with their children and wouldn't want it any other
way. These children are loving and caring by nature. Unless there are other
mental problems, they usually enjoy the company of people and should be exposed
to that.
Children with Down syndrome will
benefit from early childhood therapy such as speech and physical therapy. Life
expectancy for people with Down syndrome, for many years, was around twenty to
twenty five years. That has changed now and Down syndrome babies can, on
average, have a life expectancy of fifty to sixty years.
These children can normally
attend mainstream schools where extra assistance is available. They learn
slower than other children, but many are educated enough to be able to have a
regular job and a few even attend college.
These lovely children might have
different and more challenges than many other children but with the appropriate
care and love, can have full and happy lives.
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