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Down Syndrome
What Is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic condition that causes delays in physical and
intellectual development. It occurs in approximately one in every 800
live births. Individuals with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead
of the usual 46. It is the most frequently occurring chromosomal disorder.
Down syndrome is not related to race, nationality, religion or socioeconomic
status. The most important fact to know about individuals with Down syndrome
is that they are more like others than they are different.
People with Down syndrome are at increased risk for certain health problems.
Congenital heart defects, increased susceptibility to infection, respiratory
problems, obstructed digestive tracts and childhood leukemia occur with
greater frequency among children who have Down syndrome, while adults
with Down syndrome are at increased risk for Alzheimer’s Disease.
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What Causes Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is usually caused by an error in cell division called nondisjunction.
It is not known why this occurs. However, it is known that the error occurs
at conception and is not related to anything the mother did during pregnancy.
It has been known for some time that the incidence of Down syndrome increases
with advancing maternal age. However, 80% of children with Down syndrome
are born to women under 35 years of age.
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How is Down Syndrome treated at FAC?
- Physical Therapy
Physical therapy will help children with down syndrome avoid developing
abnormal compensatory movement patterns that are common ways of adjusting
for hypotonia, lax ligaments, decreased strength and short arms and
legs. It will help your child be able to achieve gross motor milestones
and participate in activities that will improve their ability to function
in daily life.
- Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists focus on the child's ability to master skills
for independence. This can include self-care skills (feeding, dressing,
grooming etc.), fine and gross motor skills, skills related to school
performance (printing, cutting etc.) and play and leisure skills.
- Speech Therapy
It is common for children with down syndrome to need speech therapy
to help with expressive language. Speech therapy can also help to enhance
speech as well as help with drooling or swallowing difficulties.
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What to Expect When Your Child Is Diagnosed with
Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is not a condition that can be cured. However, early intervention
can help many people with Down syndrome live productive lives well into
adulthood. Many children can integrate well into regular classes at school.
It is also critical for a parent/caregiver to work with the healthcare
team to develop realistic goals for their child to help them obtain their
optimal level of function.
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Where can a parent get help?
If you have a concern about this diagnosis regarding your child, please
contact your pediatrician. If your child’s doctor feels treatment
is necessary, FAC’s physical therapists have extensive training
in this area. Your physician can write out a prescription for evaluation
and treatment, which can be faxed to our clinic: 651-738-9889.
Should you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact
our front desk and ask to speak with a therapist.
Reference for this summary information provided by the National Association
for Down Syndrome at http://www.nads.org, the National Institute for Child
Health and Human Development at http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/Down_Syndrome.cfm/
and http://www.ds-health.com/
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Other information links to Down Syndrome
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