Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder that appears at birth. It is generally a combination of mental retardation with some physical deformities of the face. Many individuals with Down Syndrome also suffer from other ailments including heart problems, impaired vision, and hearing loss. This is the most common birth defect known, with 1 in 800 babies being affected.
Down Syndrome is a genetic disease that affects a child from birth. The rate of children born with Down Syndrome is very high, with 1 in 800 newborns being affected. At least half of the infants with Down Syndrome also suffer from some type of heart problems that may require surgery or medications. Children with Down Syndrome get sick twice as much as other children with ailments including colds, ear infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
Down Syndrome is the most common genetic disorder, and it is the result of an extra chromosome. There are many characteristics of Down Syndrome that are physical while others are mental in nature. The degree of severity differs for individuals with Down Syndrome. Some show both physical and mental impairments while others only have the physical aspect. The degree of severity will affect the individual’s ability to care for themselves later in life. The degree of the physical features don’t affect the mental ability of the individual.
Special needs children require extra attention in many areas including basic care and skills. There are many different illnesses and birth defects that result in a child being classified as a special needs child. Having a child with special needs is not easy, but a challenge most parents are willing to take. They find the care to be exhausting at times but very rewarding at others.
There are Federal and state programs to provide assistance to individuals with Down Syndrome and their families. The earlier an individual with Down Syndrome starts getting assistance the better off they will be. Most children with Down Syndrome are developmentally delayed, so getting them assistance early on will help prevent the time span of such delays.