Children with Down Syndrome
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.
Most children with Down Syndrome lead a fairly normal life, depending on the severity of their birth defect. They may require special assistance with learning basic education skills including reading, writing, and math, but they are able to function well in a social environment. Children with Down Syndrome are able to dress themselves, walk, and be toilet trained. Most the time though these traditional milestones are delayed from a few months up to one year.
Most states have funding for early intervention programs to assist children with Down Syndrome. This is important because the first few years of life are when many essential skills are developed. These programs also focus on helping parents and siblings learn to cope with having a Down Syndrome individual as part of their family. These programs have lead many children with Down Syndrome to grow up being happy, healthy members of society.
Children with Down Syndrome are taught to take care of themselves like any other child. The goal is for them to be able to grow up and have a career to support themselves. While some individuals with Down Syndrome do marry, many of them live in group homes. It depends on their mental capacity and their ability to care for themselves.
Most women with Down Syndrome have a hard time getting pregnant. An individual with Down Syndrome has a 50% chance of having a baby with the genetic disorder as well. Adults with Down Syndrome have a very high risk of early Alzheimer’s Disease as well.
Having a child with Down Syndrome can seem devastating at first, but be assured with your support and the various assistance available, they will likely grow up to be a productive member of society. They will have a life full of fun, love, and memories to share as they get older. They will also have the opportunity to go to school, join sports, and have a career. The possibilities are there, just as they are for any child with or without a birth defect.
