 |
Additional Information
|
|
What is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is the most common and readily identifiable
chromosomal condition associated with mental retardation.
It is caused by a chromosomal abnormality: for some unexplained
reason, an accident in cell development results in 47 instead
of the usual 46 chromosomes. This extra chromosome changes
the orderly development of the body and brain. In most cases,
the diagnosis of Down syndrome is made according to results
from a chromosome test administered shortly after birth.
Incidence
Approximately 4,000 children with Down syndrome are born
in the U.S. each year, or about 1 in every 800 to 1,000 live
births. Although parents of any age may have child with Down
syndrome, the incidence is higher for women over 35. Most
common forms of the syndrome do not usually occur more than
once in a family.
Characteristics
There are over 50 clinical signs of Down syndrome, but it
is rare to find all or even most of them in one person. Some
common characteristics include:
- Poor muscle tone;
- Slanting eyes with folds of skin at the inner
corners (called epicanthal folds);
- Hyperflexibility (excessive ability to extend
the joints);
- Short, broad hands with a single crease across
the palm on one or both hands;
- Broad feet with short toes;
- Flat bridge of the nose;
- Short, low-set ears;
- Short neck;
- Small head;
- Small oral cavity; and/or
- Short, high-pitched cries in infancy.
Individuals with Down syndrome are usually smaller than their
non-disabled peers, and their physical as well as intellectual
development is slower.
Besides having a distinct physical appearance, children with
Down syndrome frequently have specific health-related problems.
A lowered resistance to infection makes these children more
prone to respiratory problems. Visual problems such as crossed
eyes and far- or nearsightedness are higher in those with Down
syndrome, as are mild to moderate hearing loss and speech difficulty.
Approximately one third of babies born with Down syndrome have
heart defects, most of which are now successfully correctable.
Some individuals are born with gastrointestinal tract problems
that can be surgically corrected.
Some people with Down syndrome also may have a condition known
as Atlantoaxial Instability, a misalignment of the top two
vertebrae of the neck. This condition makes these individuals
more prone to injury if they participate in activities which
overextend or flex the neck. Parents are urged to have their
child examined by a physician to determine whether or not their
child should be restricted from sports and activities which
place stress on the neck. Although this misalignment is a potentially
serious condition, proper diagnosis can help prevent serious
injury.
Children with Down syndrome may have a tendency to become
obese as they grow older. Besides having negative social
implications, this weight gain threatens these individuals'
health and longevity. A supervised diet and exercise program
may help reduce this problem.
Educational and Employment Implications
Shortly after a diagnoses of Down syndrome is confirmed,
parents should be encouraged to enroll their child in an
infant development/early intervention program. These programs
offer parents special instruction in teaching their child
language, cognitive, self-help, and social skills, and specific
exercises for gross and fine motor development. Research
has shown that stimulation during early developmental stages
improves the child's chances of developing to his or her
fullest potential. Continuing education, positive public
attitudes, and a stimulating home environment have also been
found to promote the child's overall development.
Just as in the normal population, there is a wide variation
in mental abilities, behavior, and developmental progress
in individuals with Down syndrome. Their level of retardation
may range from mild to severe, with the majority functioning
in the mild to moderate range. Due to these individual differences,
it is impossible to predict future achievements of children
with Down syndrome.
Because of the range of ability in children with Down syndrome
it is important for families and all members of the school's
education team to place few limitations on potential capabilities.
It may be effective to emphasize concrete concepts rather
than abstract ideas. Teaching tasks in a step-by-step manner
with frequent reinforcement and consistent feedback has been
proven successful. Improved public acceptance of persons
with disabilities along with increased opportunities for
adults with disabilities to live and work independently in
the community, have expanded goals for individuals with Down
syndrome. Independent Living Centers, group shared and supervised
apartments and support services in the community have proven
to be important resources for persons with disabilities.
To read the rest of this article from the National Dissemination
Center for Children with Disabilities, please click here: http://www.nichcy.org/pubs/factshe/fs4txt.htm
|
Additional
Information