Down Syndrome

What is Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is the most frequent chromosomal anomaly - it occurs in one in every 546 live births in Ireland.

Each person with Down syndrome is an individual, with a unique appearance, personality and abilities.

Children with Down syndrome benefit from the same care, attention and inclusion in community life that helps every child develop. As with all children, quality education in neighborhood schools, preschools, special schools or at home is important to provide the opportunities that are needed to develop strong social and academic skills.

Children with Down syndrome are creative and imaginative in play and mischief and have the same emotions and attitudes as other children. Many children with Down syndrome may grow up to live independent lives with varying degrees of support and accommodation needed, while others may require ongoing support and more sheltered living accommodation.

Down syndrome is recognisable at birth because of some typical physical characteristics. Diagnosis is then confirmed by chromosome analysis.

While people with Down syndrome do have features in common, they also closely resemble their parents and family. Each person is an individual with a unique appearance, personality and abilities. The extent to which each child shows the physical characteristics of the syndrome is no indication of his or her intellectual capacity.

What are the Symptoms of Down Syndrome

The main characteristic physical features include:

• Small differences in the shape and size of the head.
• Almond shaped upward slanting eyes.

-Nasal bridge may be slightly flattened.

• The tongue may be prominent.
• Sometimes there is an extra fold (epicanthal fold) of skin at the inner corner of the eye which tends to disappear in the teen years.
• The hands tend to be short and often have a single crease in the palm. There may also be a wide gap between 1st and 2nd toes.

What are the Causes of Down Syndrome

For some unknown reason, an error in cell development results in 47 chromosomes rather than the usual 46. This extra gene material changes the orderly development of the body and brain.

Traditional Medical Treatments for Down Syndrome

A team of health professionals will direct the treatment for Down syndrome based on your child's unique symptoms and physical problems. By working closely with these health professionals and other care providers, you can help your child become as independent as possible and lead a healthy, meaningful life.

It is normal to experience a wide range of emotions when your baby is born with Down syndrome. Even if you learned about your baby's condition while you were pregnant, the first few weeks after birth often are very difficult as you learn to cope with the diagnosis.

A confirmed diagnosis of Down syndrome requires a karyotype test. This test usually is done on a sample of your baby's blood if it is done after birth. It may take 2 to 3 weeks to get the complete results of this test. This waiting period can be extremely difficult, especially if earlier test results were uncertain and your baby has only subtle characteristics of Down syndrome.

Your newborn with Down syndrome will have regular checkups and various tests during the first month. These tests are used to monitor his or her condition and to help health professionals look for early signs of common diseases associated with Down syndrome and other health conditions. These checkups also are a good time to begin discussing issues of concern about your newborn.

Making sure that your child has regular medical checkups, helping to manage his or her adjustments to social and physical changes, and promoting independence are important parts of ongoing treatment for Down syndrome.

Physical exams allow your health professional to watch your child for early signs of common diseases associated with Down syndrome and other health conditions. Health professionals look for specific problems at various ages, such as cataracts and other eye conditions during a baby's first year.