by Mike Selvon
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.
These feelings naturally come up, which is why establishing a support network is important for new parents. Talking with others who've been through the same challenges will offer inspiration and ensure the best possible upbringing for the developmentally disabled child.
Children with this chromosomal disorder will have tribulations early on. Parents should be aware of the special-care needs for babies with Down syndrome as early as possible, to prepare themselves for the challenges that lie ahead. Some babies require medication to address a heart defect, while others require physical therapy sessions to help develop better muscle tone and coordination.
Some syndrome babies have a difficult time learning to breastfeed at first, which is sometimes related to stomach or intestinal blockages. Eye, ear, nose, throat and thyroid problems are not uncommon, as is late teething. The main thing to keep in mind is that the baby will eventually get there, but patience and offering loving support are critical to the child's development.
The educational needs for children with Down syndrome vary, depending on the degree of mental retardation. Early intervention and skill assessment is the key to relating to the child on terms he or she can relate with. For example, often concrete concepts are more easily understood than abstract ideas.
Step-by-step teaching and providing consistent feedback are two techniques that can help the developmentally disabled. In the past, Down syndrome children went to separate schools or were home-schooled.
Now, the mainstreaming of these children is proving effective at decreasing the emotional gap between children with this chromosomal disorder and those without. In countries like Denmark or Germany, a two-teacher approach allows these kids to observe and be exposed to others, while focusing on their special needs.
There are certain health risks for children with Down syndrome. About half of all Down syndrome babies are born with congenital heart defects and 60% suffer an eye disease, including cataracts (15%) and the need for corrective glasses or contact lenses (50%). Nearly 75% suffer hearing loss, sleep apnea and persistent ear infections.
Other problems include thyroid disease (15%), gastrointestinal atresias (12%) and acquired hip dislocation (6%). Less than 1% of all cases report leukemia or Hirschsprung disease. Over time, adults with Down syndrome may suffer respiratory infections, heart disease, surgery for bowel obstruction or cataracts, hearing loss, epilepsy and osteoarthritis.
These feelings naturally come up, which is why establishing a support network is important for new parents. Talking with others who've been through the same challenges will offer inspiration and ensure the best possible upbringing for the developmentally disabled child.
Children with this chromosomal disorder will have tribulations early on. Parents should be aware of the special-care needs for babies with Down syndrome as early as possible, to prepare themselves for the challenges that lie ahead. Some babies require medication to address a heart defect, while others require physical therapy sessions to help develop better muscle tone and coordination.
Some syndrome babies have a difficult time learning to breastfeed at first, which is sometimes related to stomach or intestinal blockages. Eye, ear, nose, throat and thyroid problems are not uncommon, as is late teething. The main thing to keep in mind is that the baby will eventually get there, but patience and offering loving support are critical to the child's development.
The educational needs for children with Down syndrome vary, depending on the degree of mental retardation. Early intervention and skill assessment is the key to relating to the child on terms he or she can relate with. For example, often concrete concepts are more easily understood than abstract ideas.
Step-by-step teaching and providing consistent feedback are two techniques that can help the developmentally disabled. In the past, Down syndrome children went to separate schools or were home-schooled.
Now, the mainstreaming of these children is proving effective at decreasing the emotional gap between children with this chromosomal disorder and those without. In countries like Denmark or Germany, a two-teacher approach allows these kids to observe and be exposed to others, while focusing on their special needs.
There are certain health risks for children with Down syndrome. About half of all Down syndrome babies are born with congenital heart defects and 60% suffer an eye disease, including cataracts (15%) and the need for corrective glasses or contact lenses (50%). Nearly 75% suffer hearing loss, sleep apnea and persistent ear infections.
Other problems include thyroid disease (15%), gastrointestinal atresias (12%) and acquired hip dislocation (6%). Less than 1% of all cases report leukemia or Hirschsprung disease. Over time, adults with Down syndrome may suffer respiratory infections, heart disease, surgery for bowel obstruction or cataracts, hearing loss, epilepsy and osteoarthritis.