Monday, May 24, 2010

Gifts For Kids With Down Syndrome By Alka Kheterpal

Down syndrome is a disorder which cannot be treated though there are techniques and tips to keep the developmental abilities of the kids and infants to be responsive to the environment.

If you are a grandparent or a person who needs to pick up a gift for a kid or a teen with Down syndrome you need to be well aware what Down syndrome is and what kind of gift works well with the kids with this disorder so as to not offend the sensibilities of the kid. Often the gifts need to be sensitive to the parents feeling too as it is they who have this child who is different than other kids.

The kids with Down syndrome have to be specifically geared to responds to the social fabric around them as well as be receptive to the needs of the social environment they are in. Down syndrome can affect the sensory movements of the kids or the moor movements of the kids.

The motor movements are of two types namely the large motor movements and the fine motor movements. The large motor movements are of the legs and arms. There are special gifts for kids who are slow to have these movements. These toys can be given as gifts for the kids for example toys with sounds or toys with special gyms in it which will help develop the strength in arms and legs.

The sensory skills of the kids with Down syndrome are also very weak and the best gifts for kids with Down syndrome are to give them things which can develop these skills. These gifts include the blankets or special paying quilts with big patches of different colors and sizes as that will help develop the sense of color and sizes.

Another very special need of kids with disorder sis need to have a companion they socialize with also they need to be told that they are sensitive and can be taken cares of. The need for emotional security is very foremost for them. Hence in the market place there are dolls which are made in cognizance of the above fact I have stated above regarding the need for emotional and social security.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Down Syndrome - Symptoms and Characteristics By Tom Chuong

One of the most common chromosomal disorders, Down syndrome is associated with the mental retardation and malformation in a newborn. The main cause of Down syndrome is the presence of an extra 21st chromosome. Generally children with Down syndrome show slower physical and mental development than a normal child. There may also be other health issues like dementia, hearing problems and problems with eyes, intestine, thyroid and skeleton. Women with late pregnancies are more prone to having children with Down syndrome.

The physical characteristics related to Down syndrome can vary from child to another. While some may have acute symptoms, others may experience mild symptoms. Most of the children with Down syndrome will have broad facial profile, a short neck, a broad forehead, an upward slant to the eye, white spots (Brushfield spots) in the iris of the eyes etc. They have a small mouth with slightly protruding tongue. They have short legs and arms and there are large spaces between the first and second toes.

Children with Down syndrome suffer from poor muscle tone. They also suffer from learning disabilities and weak reflexes.

Those with Down syndrome may also suffer from major health disorders like congenital heart defects, respiratory problems, and childhood leukemia and are likely to catch an infection quickly. Cardiac problems are mostly associated with this condition and such children suffer from progressive heart problems. The most common congenital heart defect in such children is Atrioventricular septal defect. Some children may have to undergo a heart surgery. Children with Down syndrome also suffer from recurring respiratory ailments like cough and cold.

Vision and hearing problems, epilepsy, skin problems and thyroid problems are also associated with Down syndrome. Such children may also be obese. They may suffer from hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and a scarcity of growth hormone.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Alternative Treatment For Down Syndrome By Zach Smith

Down syndrome is one of the leading causes of mental retardation in infants. It does not only cause mental disabilities but physical malformation is also evident. Treatment for Down syndrome has been utilized over the years but with the advent of new and advanced therapies, new treatments were introduced.

Down syndrome develops when there are abnormal chromosomes in a person's body. Chromosomes transport genetic information to our cells. These chromosomes are the determinants in a person's appearance and functions.

Normally, the cells carry 2 sets of twenty-three chromosomes from each parent. This totals to forty-six chromosomes. For people with Down syndrome, one chromosome pair is damaged.

The cause of Down syndrome is due to the damage of chromosome #21. This chromosome can also take damage during the process of cell replication. The damage can also be done when the normal chromosome of the parents suddenly breaks into two. Either way, the result is Down syndrome.

Usually, babies are easily diagnosed with this condition because they manifest physical characteristics associated with Down syndrome. These physical characteristics include: flat figure of the face, small head, low-set or flat-bridged nose, small mouth with an unusually large tongue, eyes slanting upwards, round cheeks, small ears, wide hands, subnormal height, and malformed fifth finger.

As they get older, they manifest behavioral symptoms such as being withdrawn and unusually quiet. They also tend to be passive, unresponsive and weak.

There is actually no cure for this condition. However, the treatment for Down syndrome symptoms can be used.

Most people suffering from Down syndrome are visual and hearing impaired. To help them with this condition, they can use eyeglasses and hearing aids.

There are also special schools for children with Down syndrome. This can improve their behavior immensely by helping them socialize with other children. This is where they learn their self-worth and learn the values that are most important in living a good life.

There are also other herbal remedies that can ease tantrums and erratic behavior changes manifested by children with Down syndrome.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Answering Your Down Syndrome Questions By Mike Selvon

Having a child is a huge responsibility. Even before the child is born there are things that expectant parents must do to ensure that their child is safe. But there are occasions and conditions that cannot be avoided. Down syndrome is not picky on what infant it strikes. It does not know socioeconomic barriers and there is no cure.

But there is hope for that child and his or her parents. Unlike the past, many children with this genetic disorder can still lead fulfilling lives. Thanks to new treatment options and available education, parents can help their child make it in this world. This article will cover some of the basics of this disorder and hopefully shed a little light on any questions you may have.

How do doctors identify it genetically?

While a woman is pregnant there are ways to determine if Down syndrome is present. The first test is a routine prenatal screening to detect a wide variety of disorders. If the test comes back positive for Down's syndrome, the mother has the option of having an amniocentesis performed.

During this procedure a needle is inserted into the abdomen and amniotic fluid is taken. The doctors can then test specifically for the disorder. The overwhelming sign of Down's syndrome is the presence of a 21st chromosome.

What are some characteristics of Down syndrome children?

There are certain characteristics that are associated with Down syndrome individuals. Their physical appearance will be similar. There will be a slanting of the eyes, a round face and often a distended tongue that can make speech difficult.

Often the individual will have poor muscle tone and can even have white flecks on the iris called Brushfield spots. Some of the characteristics will not be immediately obvious such as congenital heart defects, sleep apnea and more space between the big toe and the rest of the toes. Unfortunately having Down's syndrome also means having a degree of mental retardation.

Does a Down syndrome child need specialized care?

Yes, most Down syndrome children will need specialized care. The child may have a speech problem and need to work with a speech therapist. The child may have poor muscle tone and have to work with a physical therapist. If there are emotional barriers, the parents have to work with the child to help them adjust to school and different emotional situations that may arise.

Many Down's syndrome children have physical problems that have to be constantly monitored such as congenital heart defects. With the right treatment and care the child can learn to be full functioning as an adult. Some individuals with this genetic condition can even live by themselves and hold down jobs. It is even possible for them to marry and have a family.

How severe is the retardation associated with Down syndrome?

The mental retardation associated with Down syndrome varies from child to child. It can be quite pronounced with a mental IQ of less than 35. Mild retardation is classified by an IQ score of 50-70. The only way to find out the extent of the child's mental facilities is through testing. Some parents want to know and others prefer not to subject their children to further testing just to classify the mental abilities.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Down Syndrome Facts and Statistics By C L Talbert

Wikipedia states that, "Down syndrome, Down's syndrome, or trisomy 21 is a chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. It is named after John Langdon Down, the British doctor who described the syndrome in 1866. The disorder was identified as a chromosome 21 trisomy by Jérome Lejeune in 1959. The condition is characterized by a combination of major and minor differences in structure. Often Down syndrome is associated with some impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth as well as facial appearance. Down syndrome can be identified during pregnancy or at birth."

People with Down Syndrome usually have lower than average cognitive ability and may have learning disabilities as well. It is estimated that 1 per 800 to 1,000 births result in babies with Down Syndrome. Expectant mother's over the age of 35 are at greater risk of having a baby with Down Syndrome. One out of every nineteen babies from mothers over the age 45 have Down Syndrome. Many standard prenatal screens can discover Down syndrome. Ask your doctor about these screenings if you are at risk.

Some physical characteristics of individuals with Down Syndrome include, muscle hypotonia (poor muscle tone), a protruding tongue (due to small oral cavity, and an enlarged tongue near the tonsils), a short neck, oblique eye fissures with epicanthic skin folds on the inner corner of the eyes, excessive joint laxity including atlanto-axial instability, and congenital heart defects. These are not all of the characteristics of Down Syndrome and people with this disorder may have just some or all of these.