Thursday, August 5, 2010

Achieving Your Full Potential Through Down Syndrome Awareness By Mike Selvon

The main goal of Down syndrome understanding is to celebrate the diversity of life and promote the acceptance of families and individuals with the condition. Lobbyists ensure that adults with Down syndrome have equal opportunity access to housing, schooling and jobs.

Organizations, like the National Down Syndrome Society, have helped people with Down syndrome fight for their legal rights and lobby for better educational programs. At its core, Down syndrome awareness is about enabling everyone to achieve his or her full potential, despite a disability.

The mission of the National Down Syndrome Society is "to benefit people with this disability and their families through national leadership in education, research and advocacy." They feel that everyone has the right to reach their potential and that people with such a disability should have the opportunity to make choices affecting their lives.

Part of Down syndrome knowledge is pushing for better educational programs to help children with Down syndrome achieve their goals. Through the organization, parents can collect valuable resources and connect with local support groups. Down syndrome children can link up with local programs sponsored in part by NDSS, where they can foster a love of art, music or sports and gain the necessary tools to live a relatively independent life.

In addition to Chris Burke, from "Life Goes On" and "Touched by an Angel," there are many other notable individuals with this disability who are ambassadors for Down Syndrome Awareness and serve as inspiration for Down syndrome children, adults and families. Actors include: Stephane Ginnsz (Duo), Max Lewis (Notes on a Scandal), Edward Barbanell (The Ringer) and award winner Paula Sage (AfterLife, BBC Scotland's River City soap).

Additionally, Joey Moss works as a locker room attendant for the Edmonton Oilers, Judith Scott works as an artist, Miguel Tomasin is the singer for the Argentinian rock band "Reynols" and Karen Gaffney works as a swimmer and motivational speaker. There are also people with such a disability who are children of famous people, like Isabella Pujols, the adopted daughter of the St. Louis Cardinal's first basemen, or Johnny Stallings, son of former University of Alabama football coach Gene Stallings.

Down Syndrome Awareness has brought great medical advances in just thirty short years. Every day doctors are learning more and more about how the condition works genetically, as therapists learn better techniques for teaching the developmentally disabled. Perhaps one day there will be a pre-natal treatment to remove the extra genetic material on chromosome 21, or perhaps children and adults with Down syndrome will just become more valued by society, thanks to organizations, methods of inclusion and awareness campaigns.

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Friday, July 30, 2010

Diagnosis Down Syndrome - How to Handle the News That Your Baby Has DS By Inez Calender

If you are interested in reading about the condition known as Down syndrome, by now, you have probably read the definitions and history of Langdon Down's identification of the syndrome. You have probably read medial articles that explain the symptoms of Down syndrome, both physical and mental. You understand that the genetic condition causes significant developmental delays. You have probably seen pictures of both adults and children with DS.

But no investigation into the topic of Down syndrome is complete without delving into the actual lives of people and families who have been involved with a person who has Down syndrome, or meeting a few people who have the condition themselves. Viewing such folks on television does not count.

If you have a new baby who has been diagnosed with Downs, or have had prenatal testing that indicates that your child has Downs syndrome, do yourself a favor and find out what the condition means in the real world. When you find out what it is really like to live with a child or an adult who has Down syndrome, you will be better able to cope with the reality of the situation.

Clinical and educational information is all well and good, but does not thoroughly inform you.

First, read up on the subject. Read articles written by the parents of children with Down syndrome. Then, contact local organizations that can put you in touch with families affected by Down syndrome. Talk to the parents of children with this developmental disability. It may be very helpful to you to meet a person who actually has Downs syndrome.

Forty years ago, a family who had a new baby or young child with Downs was routinely encouraged to place the child in an institution. Today, prospective parents who receive the diagnosis through prenatal tests are often encouraged to abort the child. Both instances can be viewed as equally inhumane, in that the personhood of the child is not considered.

As medical technology has advanced, and society has advanced toward a more considerate appreciate and acceptance of differences and disabilities, the prospect of aborting a child with Down syndrome seems backward thinking and inhumane.

If you are pregnant and your doctor has suggested prenatal testing, go for it. Even if you are staunchly pro-life, the knowledge that you gain is valuable. Imagine, not having the tests, and suddenly being confronted with such a frightening diagnosis for you new baby. Chances are you would be shocked and confused.

But, if you are prepared ahead of time, you can research al the aspects of Downs syndrome so that you can greet your new baby without prejudice, without worry, or the feat that can be devastating without preparation.
Any child should be welcomed into the world with acceptance and joy. A new baby deserves unconditional love and should not be introduced to the world by anxious, fearful parents.

In this life, we are all flawed. A child with Down syndrome is first a child, everything else is secondary.

In any event, information will make life easier for you and your child.

http://hubpages.com/hub/10-Ways-A-Baby-With-Down-Syndrome-Will-Improve-Your-Life is an article by a mother who had a child with Down syndrome 37 years ago. She tells how her life has benefited from living with her daughter and relates the positive aspects of dealing with a child with a developmental disability.

http://hubpages.com/hub/Down-Syndrome---Strategies-for-Raising-a-Child-With-Down-Syndrome is an article that suggests ways to help your child with Downs syndrome lead a healthy and fulfilling life.

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Sunday, July 25, 2010

Learning About the Down Syndrome Disability By Mike Selvon

Down syndrome is the most common developmental disability in the US. A Down syndrome baby is noticeable by the small ears, small head, small eyes, slightly upturned nose, flat facial features and round head. They will require more time developing, learning to breast feed, rolling over, walking, talking and dressing themselves. However, parents of babies with Down syndrome often say, if given the choice, they wouldn't change a thing and that raising their unique child was one of the greatest things they could have done with their lives.

When learning about Down syndrome, you will discover there is a build-up of additional genetic material on the 21st chromosome. Doctors aren't 100% sure what causes this abnormality, but they do know that parental age increases the risk. Eighty percent of Down syndrome babies are born to parents under 35, which is probably because more people in that age bracket are having children.

Statistically speaking, a 25-year-old woman has a 1/3,000 chance of having a baby with Down syndrome, while a 35-year-old-woman has 1/365 odds of having a Down syndrome baby. By 45 years of age, her baby has a 1/30 chance of having downs! It is very rarely passed down genetically and it is estimated that only 3-4% of all downs cases are caused from inherited translocation of genetic material, while the rest appear to be caused by random, abnormal chromosomal activity.

There are some common medical conditions that people with this chromosomal disorder may face. Half of Down syndrome babies are born with heart defects and increased susceptibility to illnesses. Often, they are born with a hearing impairment or poor vision, and will likely encounter a speech impediment, sleep apnea or chronic ear infections later down the road. As a parent, you'll need to find a trusted, specialized, medical practitioner. You may find local resources through the National Down Syndrome Society at "Ndss".

A support net is waiting for you; one mouse-click away. You can meet with other parents who have already gone through raising a child with Down syndrome. You can learn coping and teaching techniques or find an inspirational book that fills your heart with joy. Your life will be forever changed when any baby enters your life and you find that love can help you overcome anything. By participating in one of the many local community programs, you'll find greater strength.

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Wednesday, July 21, 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.

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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.