Down Syndrome In Children

Down syndrome, which is also called Trisomy 21, is a condition in which extra genetic material causes delays in the way a child develops mentally and physically. Down syndrome is named after British doctor John Langdon Down. He first prescribed the condition in 1887. In 1959, an extra chromosome was identified as the cause. Down syndrome features and problems can vary from child to child. Some children need a lot of medical attention and others lead healthy lives. In the United States, Down syndrome affects around 1 in every 800 babies. Down syndrome cannot be prevented, but can be detected before a child is born. There are two types of prenatal tests: screening and diagnostic. Screening tests estimate the risk that a fetus has Down syndrome.

Children with Down syndrome are usually born of average size but they grow slower and remain smaller than other babies their age. Low muscle tone may contribute to sucking and feeding problems along with constipation. As they grow, they may develop delays in speech and self care skills like dressing, feeding and toilet training. Children’s learning is affected in different ways, but most have mild to moderate intellectual impairment. Children with Down syndrome reach goals at a different pace. These developmental milestones are often affected: reaching, sitting, and standing, walking, communicating, talking and reading. Some children do not have any significant health problems, while others will have medical issues that require extra care. About fifty percent of children born with Down syndrome have a congenital heart defect and have problems with hearing and vision. They are also at an increased risk of pulmonary hypertension, thyroid problems, intestinal abnormalities, seizure disorders, respiratory problems, obesity, an increased susceptibility to infection, and an increased risk of childhood