Do You Understand a Child With Down Syndrome? By Mike Selvon

Cathy Morgan, a mother of a child with Down syndrome, recalls when she received the initial diagnosis of Down syndrome from the doctor: "Her message was 'Legally, you have 24 weeks to terminate the pregnancy and you should do it sooner rather than later because it will be more difficult on you if you wait,' and you're sort of taken aback."

She said that she was scared, nervous and disappointed at first but abortion was never an option for her. Now that she has three-year-old Eddie, she couldn't imagine life without him. Raising any child is not any easy job, whether they have 46 chromosomes or 47.

At home, your attitude is critical to your child's development. Here are some Down syndrome facts. While acceptance and social normalcy are a reality now more than ever, your child will still face hurdles with cruel children at school.

A Down child is also susceptible to depression, so your love and acceptance is very important. Many parents attend support group meetings through the National Down Syndrome Society to learn how to better care for their Down syndrome child and to address any negative emotions.

Patience is more than just a virtue here; it is an absolute necessity. While your child may learn to breast feed, roll over, walk and talk later than his or her peers, you will still find these achievements just as significant.

Set aside time each day to practice daily skills like getting dressed, using silverware or helping with chores. Being organized with a routine, as well as a system of lists, behavior contracts and rewards is the best way to encourage your child against the effects of Down syndrome.

As your child with Down syndrome gets older, grooming, hygiene and sexuality become very important issues. There are many books you can get that will help you explain these awkward topics to disabled children in ways they understand. Ensuring that your child attends school well-groomed and properly cared for will have a strong impact on how other adolescents perceive him or her, so this area cannot be ignored.

Boys must learn that erections are natural, and what to do when one arises. They must also learn that public masturbation is against the law, as well as socially unacceptable. Girls must learn about the changes their bodies go through as well and must understand how to use pads, as well as how to have respect for their bodies. Like any other teens, Down syndrome children will want to date, socialize and develop intimacy, so be sure to address these issues.

Know the health risks of your child with Down syndrome. Find a good medical practitioner who specializes in Down syndrome obstacles. Heart defects, visual impairments, hearing problems and difficulty breathing are all common ailments children with Down syndrome may face. Diet is also very important for the disabled. Be aware that obesity can be a problem, and that high-sugar/additives/preservatives may be upsetting.

Try a natural diet with alpha-ketoglutaric acid supplements. You may also need to limit dairy if your child is prone to ear infections. Additionally, a Down syndrome child may sleep poorly, with frequent awakenings and interrupted REM sleep. This could lead to more difficulty focusing and learning, research suggests. Discuss treatment options with your health care practitioner if you suspect this condition may be prevalent.

369 Niches Rolled Up Into 1 Product

Turn any hobby into a business. Discover

24 totally unique business models.

[http://businessmodels.netbizint.com.au/index.php]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Selvon

What Causes Down Syndrome? By Aaroah Sunil

What is Down's Syndrome

Down's syndrome is defined as a disease that comes about because of a genetic abnormality that negatively affects the mental capabilities and physical features of an affected person. Individuals with this condition quite often experience varying degrees of medical and physical issues. Some people with the disease are able to successfully lead moderately regular lives while others need persistent medical care. It affects 1 in 800 newborns and is said to be more common with older mothers. The disease cannot be prevented, however it can be discovered in utero, before the baby is born. There is still much controversy in relation to the ramifications of genetic testing for Down'ssyndrome. It has been observed that an estimated 90-93% of pregnancies with a Down's babies were aborted once this was identified through various forms of genetic testing methods.

The outlook for children with Down's syndrome has significantly improved in recent years. The regular life span for an individual with Down's syndrome was 25 years old in the 1980's it has now risen to 49 years of age in present times. People with the disease will usually be infertile especially males who are only partially fertile in extremely rare instances. Most children with Down's syndrome will also experience noticeably reduced cognitive abilities. However, with needed medical intervention, family support and vocational training the child with down syndrome can learn to overcome, to some extent, his or her disabilities.

What Causes Down's Syndrome

The disease as mentioned before is caused by a genetic irregularity. A normal person will have 46 chromosomes, 23 of which will be inherited from either parent. In an individual with Down's syndrome he or she will have an overall number of 47 chromosomes or essentially 1 more chromosome than is expected. This chromosomal abnormality manifests because of an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. The effect of the extra copy will vary among affected people.

The condition cannot be prevented and is said to be a randomly occurring event. However women over the age of 35 are at an increased risk of conceiving a child with Down syndrome. The risk for different age groups are listed below:

o Women who are 25 years of age will typically have a 1in 1,250 chance of having a Down's baby.

o Women who are 30 years of age will normally have. 1 in 1000 chance of having a Down's baby.

o Women who are 35 years of age will normally have 1in 400 chance of having a Down's baby.

o Women who are 40 years of age will typically have 1 in 100 chance of having a Down's baby.

o Women who are 45 years of age will normally have. 1 in 30 chance of having a Down's baby.

The odds of conceiving a child with Down's Syndrome may also be associated with a familial genetic irregularity. A person who has a balanced translocation will not show any signs of down syndrome but will have an elveated risk of conceiving a child with translocation Down syndrome. The estimated risk is 1 in 5 for the female carrier and 1 in 50 for a male carrier. In some cases where there is no unattached copy of chromosome 21 the carrier's offspring will all have Down's Syndrome. The affected parent is therefore said to be a translocation carrier. This sort of Down's syndrome is said to occur in 2-3% of all Down's syndrome cases.

The article titled What Causes Down Syndrome is written by Dr.Nolan. Click here to understand more regarding What Causes Down Syndrome.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aaroah_Sunil

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.

For more information on health and disabilities visit Healthy Moms- Parenting, Pregnancy, Health and Women's Issues.

Ms. Talbert is a freelance writer, mother of three and editor of Healthy Moms- Parenting, Pregnancy, Health and Women's Issues. Visit Healthy Moms at http://thehealthymoms.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=C_L_Talbert

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.

Visit us for free tips and training to help you make quick easy money and have the financial freedom you deserve.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Selvon

The Blessings of Down Syndrome By Lori Daniell

A vast array of negative emotions and feelings are encountered by parents and family members when learning of a diagnosis of Down Syndrome. Shock, denial and anger, blame and guilt, sadness and shame are experienced before acceptance. Many parents openly admit that their level of dismay was exacerbated by preconceived ideas of family life as well as career oriented goals for their child. Their situation is typically viewed as a loss of an ideal life. Once the stages of grief are experienced, there is acceptance of the loss. It is at this stage of the grieving process where the new reality is accepted as the state of normalcy.

During this profound period, hope is beginning to be sensed where it would previously had felt unattainable. Particularly now is when, as a result of a new state of normalcy, deeper questions are pondered in terms of the meaning of life, and the renewed sense of spirituality is often encountered. Ultimately, the forgiveness of self and letting go of the burden of being responsible for this situation unleashes the parents and loved ones of a child with Down Syndrome. This launches them into a condition where life is viewed through the eyes of the child and the beauty of a bond is begun. A new feeling of wonder is experienced and a lightening of their previously heavy hearts are experienced in contrast. The advancement of the soul is undeniable.

There is difficulty in the attempt to prove the causal relationship that exists between a person with Down Syndrome and their effect on those surrounding them. The struggle is defined by the very nature of the scope of concept. No litmus test exists for definitive determination. The true answers lie in the hearts and souls of the people who have been provided with this gift from Spirit.

Down Syndrome being a chromosomal abnormality is by no means a condition that is desired. Because society has a set of rules by which to define what is considered normal, struggle is naturally encountered in order to attempt to rationalize how having a child with Down Syndrome could even be possible for them. This is a deep wound that can catapult the parents into identifying with their Warrior Archetypes. Soon, it is learned that the struggle has a purpose. Tragedy on any level opens a philosophical door to seek greater understanding. Existentialism is innately delved into. It perhaps is possible that in order to cope with the shock that ensues as a result of a Down Syndrome diagnosis, one is somewhat forced to disassociate from their past mores and view life through a new set of eyes for the sake of pure survival. Therein one could argue, is the gift.

The fact that people with Down Syndrome have cognitive impairment can be seen both as a miracle and a call for further research. To be clear however it needs to be indicated that there are various degrees of impairment. The miraculous aspect is that this population has been given the blessing of perceiving their world in a manner of delight and bliss while changing the dynamics of the people who love them. In addition, this population generally does not have the verbal ability to explain how they view life, therefore we can only deduce this information based upon their behaviors, actions and reactions.

In terms of perceiving people with Down Syndrome as a gift from Spirit, improved cognitive therapies for the sake of their ability to describe and communicate their perspectives would be advantageous, to the extent that it did not tamper with the genuineness of the person while it sought to improve her quality of life.

This enchanting population of people have incredible volumes to offer in terms of life lessons and perspectives. May we all shine brilliantly because of their teachings.

What Are Your Chances of Having a Baby With Down Syndrome? By Cynthia Koelker

What is the chance that my baby will have Down syndrome? If you're asking the question, you're probably pregnant or considering pregnancy.

Most people have seen a child with Down syndrome - it's fairly easily to recognize. What people fear isn't so much the physical problems these children exhibit, but the mental retardation caused by the extra chromosome #21.

The incidence of Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. Although alcohol and tobacco use have been linked to other conditions, they are not thought to increase the risk of Down syndrome. According to the Merck Manual, a time-honored medical reference, the overall risk is 1 in 800. However, for babies born to 20-year-old mothers the risk is only 1 in 2000 births. By age 35 the risk rises to 1/365, and at age 40 is about 1%.

The answer is a bit more complicated than this, however, because not all Down syndrome has the same genetic cause. Most cases (about 95%) are due to a second copy of a complete chromosome 21. The other 5% of cases are due to an extra fragment of chromosome 21 getting stuck on a different chromosome (called a translocation).

The genetic cause can be determined by examining the chromosomes of the child and/or parents. If the mother carries a translocation, the risk for having a child with Down syndrome is about 1 in 10. If the father carries the abnormal chromosome, the risk is about 1 in 20. Chromosome testing would not normally be performed on parents unless they've already had one child with Down syndrome.

Pregnant women can be tested to see if their baby is likely to have Down syndrome, but this testing may or may not be covered by your insurance. Because testing is expensive (hundreds of dollars), not entirely accurate, and potentially dangerous to the unborn child, you should talk to your doctor about reasons to perform the test and reasons not to.

Early Attention is Required With Children With Down Syndrome 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.