Down Syndrome Information
Down Syndrome is a life long condition that cannot be cured. It causes delays in learning and development, and may include some health complications as well. It is caused by an extra chromosome 21. Nothing the parents did either caused or could have prevented this condition. While a diagnosis of Down Syndrome either via testing before the birth of your child or at birth is difficult, you should be aware that with a positive attitude and early intervention services, it is very likely that your child can thrive.
There are several physical characteristics common to individuals with Down Syndrome; however, you will also still see that your baby or child looks like mum, dad or a grandparent. The physical traits commonly associated with Down Syndrome include a flattened face, excess skin on the back of the neck, eyes that slant upward and outward, and may have an extra fold of skin on the eye (an epicanthic fold). Very flexible joints, low muscle tone (hypotonia), and a crease across the palm of the hand are other common traits. While some children born with Down Syndrome are quite fit and healthy, bowel and heart problems occur in approximately 50% of cases at birth. These can be surgically corrected.
While Down Syndrome causes delays in learning and learning disabilities, many individuals with Down Syndrome will go on to live full and active lives. As an infant, some babies with Down Syndrome will struggle with feeding and weight gain, while others will feed and grow easily. As with any child, a baby with Down Syndrome is an individual. Typical milestones are often delayed somewhat, but they will occur. A child with Down Syndrome develops on his or her own timeline, but with love and support will learn, grow and thrive.
Early intervention programs can help provide therapies to allow a baby born with Down Syndrome to reach his or her full potential. Patience and repetition will help, and are especially important with a child who struggles with learning new skills. Incorporating signs and visual cues may help the child learn and retain information.
Today, many individuals with Down Syndrome will grow up, leave home, and work. They will form relationships, have their own interests, and live a life of their own. Some individuals will live independently and others may do better in a supported living environment, but with a loving family and good support, a child born with Down Syndrome can lead a full and successful life.
Down Syndrome is a life long condition that cannot be cured. It causes delays in learning and development, and may include some health complications as well. It is caused by an extra chromosome 21. Nothing the parents did either caused or could have prevented this condition. While a diagnosis of Down Syndrome either via testing before the birth of your child or at birth is difficult, you should be aware that with a positive attitude and early intervention services, it is very likely that your child can thrive.
There are several physical characteristics common to individuals with Down Syndrome; however, you will also still see that your baby or child looks like mum, dad or a grandparent. The physical traits commonly associated with Down Syndrome include a flattened face, excess skin on the back of the neck, eyes that slant upward and outward, and may have an extra fold of skin on the eye (an epicanthic fold). Very flexible joints, low muscle tone (hypotonia), and a crease across the palm of the hand are other common traits. While some children born with Down Syndrome are quite fit and healthy, bowel and heart problems occur in approximately 50% of cases at birth. These can be surgically corrected.
While Down Syndrome causes delays in learning and learning disabilities, many individuals with Down Syndrome will go on to live full and active lives. As an infant, some babies with Down Syndrome will struggle with feeding and weight gain, while others will feed and grow easily. As with any child, a baby with Down Syndrome is an individual. Typical milestones are often delayed somewhat, but they will occur. A child with Down Syndrome develops on his or her own timeline, but with love and support will learn, grow and thrive.
Early intervention programs can help provide therapies to allow a baby born with Down Syndrome to reach his or her full potential. Patience and repetition will help, and are especially important with a child who struggles with learning new skills. Incorporating signs and visual cues may help the child learn and retain information.
Today, many individuals with Down Syndrome will grow up, leave home, and work. They will form relationships, have their own interests, and live a life of their own. Some individuals will live independently and others may do better in a supported living environment, but with a loving family and good support, a child born with Down Syndrome can lead a full and successful life.