{"id":2558,"date":"2019-01-20T07:34:45","date_gmt":"2019-01-20T07:34:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=2558"},"modified":"2021-05-20T16:27:44","modified_gmt":"2021-05-20T16:27:44","slug":"20-things-about-down-syndrome-you-wish-you-knew-sooner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/20-things-about-down-syndrome-you-wish-you-knew-sooner\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Things About Down Syndrome You Wish You Knew Sooner"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Down Syndrome is a serious health condition that affects only approximately 0.1% of the world population. In most cases, Down Syndrome is considered to be a genetic disorder that takes place due to an extra chromosome 21, although sometimes this mutation can happen without any genetic factors being present at all.
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Symptoms of the condition are varied, although generally include some mental disability, occasionally a lowered IQ that measures around 50 points.
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It\u2019s believed that there are no external factors that can increase the probability of developing Down\u2019s Syndrome or not, and that it\u2019s a genetic gamble \u2013 although sometimes, children from an older mother closer to menopause can be a factor that can trigger the genetic mutation that causes Down Syndrome to happen.
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Here are the essential 8 things about Down Syndrome you might wish you knew sooner.
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1. Sleep Apnea Occurs in Half of Down Syndrome<\/strong>
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Down Syndrome is characterized by a range of outward physical symptoms that can include flattening of the head as well as narrowing of the eyes; the physical symptoms of Down Syndrome can also include a range of others, such as an enlarged tongue or cleft lip.
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It\u2019s the enlarged tongue and smaller mouth that presents one of the biggest dangers for those who suffer from Down Syndrome; this makes people diagnosed with the syndrome far more likely to experience sleep apnea<\/a>.
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This is more commonly known as the ceasing of breathing during sleep, something which requires the therapeutic use of a C-PAP machine in order to assist with breathing \u2013 if not, sleep apnea can be an unfortunately fatal symptom.
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This is something that requires consistent monitoring to ensure that it doesn\u2019t turn into a larger problem that goes hand in hand with Down Syndrome and some types of breathing disorders.
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2. Hip Dislocations Are Common<\/strong>
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Down Syndrome <\/a>has a severe physical effect on the body, and some of the symptoms that people who have been born with Down Syndrome might experience include slowed physical development and shorter overall stature; it also includes very characteristic facial features that can have implications for their long-term health later on in life.
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This isn\u2019t the only physical consequence of Down Syndrome, and with age more complications involving the muscles and skeletal system become common. Just one of these symptoms is hip dislocations, which is a painful and uncomfortable symptom that can happen to the majority of people diagnosed with Down Syndrome at some point during their lives.
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Most often there are no other contributing factors to the hip dislocation and it can occur spontaneously. For fixing the dislocation, the help of a medical professional is always advised in order to avoid further damage to the joints or bones.
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3. Shorter Stature Is Common<\/strong>
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Shorter than average stature is one of the most common symptoms that Down Syndrome is known for, and the average height for someone who has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome can be as little as 1.54m as the maximum height.
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Shorter stature doesn\u2019t just mean shorter stature, but it can also have plenty of implications for the health of anyone who has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Not just is their height generally considered to be shorter, the skeletal system is also considered to be directly affected.
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This means that issues with bone degradation and inflammation <\/a>(such as arthritis and osteoporosis) are taken as a given if you have Down Syndrome and managed accordingly by your team of medical professionals.
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Being on chronic anti-inflammatory medication to counteract the pain that comes along with this is common, and needs twenty-four-hour management to ensure health and pain-relief for the long haul.
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4. Intellectual Milestones are Delayed<\/strong>
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One of the most characteristic and common traits of Down Syndrome sufferers is mental impairment; often their IQ <\/a>can measure in at as much as 50 points on the scale, which means that the intellectual ability can be on-par with a small child even at adult level.
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This is by far one of the symptoms of Down Syndrome that sufferers will report they feel hold them back the most, and people can often feel like this stands in their way.
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This is why people who have been diagnosed with Down Syndrome often retain their childlike qualities throughout their entire lives, and why learning disabilities can also sometimes be associated with cases of Down Syndrome.
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Lifelong therapy that involves enough intellectual stimulation is the most common way in which this symptom is managed for the long-term, and with the right help, many people diagnosed with Down Syndrome can lead completely independent lives.
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5. Increased Seizure Risk<\/strong>
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People who have been born with Down Syndrome are considered to be at an automatically higher risk of developing epilepsy, and the majority of people with Down Syndrome are at a higher risk of developing seizures at some point during their lives.
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For the risk of seizures to be managed, one of the most important things is to have any changes in the health monitored around the clock \u2013 any changes, whether they\u2019re drastic or small, should immediately be discussed with their medical professional so that the best recommendations for treatment <\/a>can be made.
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The increased seizure risk can sometimes mean that epilepsy or seizures have to be treated as an entirely separate condition that\u2019s only part of the larger spectrum of Down Syndrome symptoms.
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An increased risk of seizures can also put one at an increased risk of injury while seizures occur, which can be more taxing for the average Down Syndrome body than for anyone else.
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6. Vision Problems are Common<\/strong>
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Vision <\/a>problems of several different types are common in those born with Down Syndrome, and it can be said that as much as 70 to 80% of all Down Syndrome cases will manifest with poor vision or some type of vision problem.
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The list of possible vision problems that can occur with Down Syndrome is vast, and can include near and far-sightedness as well as an increased risk of developing other vision problems such as cataracts or glaucoma.
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Again, these vision problems are more than just symptoms of Down Syndrome and often have to be treated as their own separate health conditions in order to have any effect on how well the condition is managed.
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Most often, people with Down Syndrome have to wear glasses to obtain optimal vision, though sometimes eye surgery can instead be of use to regain some vision \u2013 and luckily in most cases, it\u2019s a quick and noninvasive procedure.
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7. Increased Heart Disease Risk<\/strong>
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People who are born with Down Syndrome are at an automatic higher risk of developing heart disease, in particular congenital heart failure; what this means for people who have been born with the syndrome is the fact that it\u2019s vital to continue monitoring the condition throughout their life to ensure the heart is in top condition.
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The increased risk of heart disease means that those with Down Syndrome are encouraged to avoid forms of exercise that can put additional strain on the heart, and it\u2019s a good idea to follow a healthy diet as much as possible \u2013 one that doesn\u2019t contain any fats, cholesterol<\/a>, salt or artificial ingredients.
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Ideally, an appointment with a cardiologist should happen once every six-month cycle, although more regularly if a heart condition has already been spotted and will need to be more closely monitored.
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Co-operation with a knowledgeable medical team is essential for the quality of life.
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8. Certain Cancer Risks are Increased<\/strong>
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For people who have been diagnosed with Down Syndrome, many aspects of their health require regular monitoring \u2013 far more regular monitoring than most people would put into their own health, and this is for good reason.
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Being born with Down Syndrome can automatically increase your risk of developing a range of other health issues as a characteristic symptom of the disorder, and ideally regular appointments with a variety of specialists are recommended \u2013 including a general practitioner, a cardiologist and an orthopedic surgeon should any bone issues or deformities be present.
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Down Syndrome can also put you at an increased risk of developing certain cancers, in particular cancers of the reproductive system or lymph nodes<\/a>; at the same time, Down Syndrome can decrease the risk of developing some other types of cancers, including most types of blood cancers.
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Staying in better health if you have been diagnosed is down to regular doctor\u2019s appointments and constant monitoring of any and every health issue.
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9. Delays in Development<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Down syndrome causes both mental and physical development delays. We have already discussed the intellectual problems encountered by patients, but the condition also affects the growth of the skeletal and muscular systems<\/a> as well.
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The effects of developmental delays vary from patient to patient, depending on the severity of their affliction. Some kids find it harder to learn than others, and other kids with Down Syndrome may not experience the same physical limitations as others.
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One of the more common developmental delays is in speech, where patients with Down Syndrome may require assistance from a speech therapist to learn how to talk. The condition also affects the development of fine motor skills, delaying their progress with learning to walk.
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As a result, studies show that kids with Down Syndrome will learn to sit at 11-months old, crawl at 17-months, and walk after 2-years. Even with all of these delays, it’s possible for kids with Down Syndrome to live a healthy, happy life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Conflicting Health Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients with Down Syndrome experience conflicting health issues. Studies show that patients have a higher risk of developing respiratory issues, as well as problems with thyroid production and hearing difficulties. Patients are also at risk of developing severe chronic diseases, such as childhood leukemia, epilepsy, and early-onset Alzheimer’s disease<\/a>.
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Studies show that more than 50-percent of all patients with downs are born with a congenital heart defect that may cause issues with the cardiovascular system later in life. Patients diagnosed with a heart condition require regular checkups with their doctors and cardiologist to manage and treat their condition.
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While Down Syndrome patients have a higher risk of the diseases and disorders mentioned above, they have a lower risk of other chronic diseases. Down Syndrome patients have fewer cases of diabetes, cancer, and hardening of the arteries.
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Despite these advantages, the patient will require regular checkups with their doctor to monitor their cardiovascular system, as well as their physical and mental development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Diagnostic Testing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Children born with Down Syndrome start life with a disadvantage. It’s for this reason that doctors screen and run diagnostic checks on an expectant mother during pregnancy. Diagnostic tests are the most accurate means of testing for Down Syndrome, and it allows the parents to terminate the pregnancy if the child does test positive for Down Syndrome.
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While diagnostic tests are the most accurate form of diagnosis, they carry a heightened risk of miscarriage to the mother, as well as premature birth and fetal injury. The healthcare professional performs the tests inside the uterus <\/a>using the following methodologies.
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Chorionic villus sampling \u2013 The doctor takes samples of the placenta at 8 to 12 weeks by inserting a needle into the abdomen or cervix to collect the sample.
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Amniocentesis \u2013 The doctor collects a sample of the amniotic fluid for testing at 15 to 20 weeks by inserting a needle into the abdomen of the pregnant mother.
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Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling \u2013 The doctor collects a blood sample from the umbilical cord at 20-weeksby inserting a needle into the abdomen to draw the sample.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Genetic Screening<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before starting a family, it’s a good idea for would-be mothers to receive genetic screening to rule out the possibility of Down Syndrome occurring in their children. Since the chances of the fetus developing Down Syndrome increases with age, doctors will run genetic tests on all geriatric mothers older than 30-years of age.
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The types of tests involved with genetic <\/a>screening include;
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Nuchal translucency testing \u2013 Ultrasound testing measures the spaces in folds behind the neck of the developing baby at 11 to 14-weeks.
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Triple or quadruple screen \u2013 Doctors collect blood samples from the mother at 15\u201318 weeks.
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Integrated screen \u2013 This method combines the results from the tests run in the first and second trimesters.
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Cell-free DNA \u2013 Doctors analyze the fetal DNA.
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Genetic ultrasound \u2013 Doctors combine blood test results with ultrasound testing at 18 to 20-weeks.
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Genetic screening is a costs effective way to check for the risk Down Syndrome, and it does not harm the developing fetus, or increase the chance of miscarriage. However, unlike diagnostic testing, they cannot provide an accurate diagnosis of whether the baby will have Down Syndrome or not. If the screening raises concerns, the doctor may opt for diagnostic testing to confirm their suspicions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Treating Down Syndrome<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It’s vital to note that there is no means of curing Down Syndrome, and there is no vaccine for the condition. Patients with Down syndrome require assistance for the rest of their life, and the parents will have to manage their care to maintain the child’s development.
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While you might not have to take your child to the doctor’s office when they come down with a case of the flu, it’s a different story if there is a severe health complication related to the disorder. Parents need to pay special attention to the cardiovascular health of the child., If they complain about any chest pain or shortness of breath, then it’s a prudent move to take them to the doctor for an assessment.
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Early diagnosis <\/a>of cardiovascular conditions can save your child’s life and avoid complications with the heart and lungs that may result in the development of a terminal illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Types of Down Syndrome<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It may surprise you to learn that there are different types of Down Syndrome. The most widespread form of the condition is “Trisomy 21.” This form of Down Syndrome creates a genetic abnormality where the patient has 47-chromosomes<\/a>, instead of the 46-chromosomes found in healthy fetuses. This type of Down Syndrome occurs due to an error in cell division called “nondisjunction.”
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This genetic error leaves the egg cells or sperm with an extra chromosome during or after the conception of the child. This type of Down Syndrome is responsible for more than 95-percent of all cases.
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Translocation and mosaicism, are the other two forms of Down Syndrome affecting the other 5-percent of patients with the condition. Mosaic Down syndrome describes a situation where some cells are healthy, while there are others with Trisomy-21.
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Translocation occurs when the 21st chromosome splinters off during cell division, attaching itself to another chromosome, causing down syndrome characteristics in the patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Living with Down Syndrome<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After hearing a diagnosis of Down Syndrome in their unborn child, many parents start to worry that their child will have a disadvantage in life. While this is true to an extent, patients with Down Syndrome can live healthy and happy lives if they experience a favorable, supportive structure around them.
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Children with Down Syndrome can do everything healthy children do but at a slower pace. They take longer to develop fine motor skills<\/a>, and they may have issues with learning to communicate effectively. However, they have no problems that they cannot overcome, with some support and assistance from loving parents and school teachers.
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With the right support and positive mental stimulus, nothing is stopping a patient with Downs from completing high school or attending college. Depending on the extent of the effect of the condition on the patient, some will require managed care for the rest of their lives, while others may be able to live independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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16. Dealing with Pressures on Parents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When parents first learn that their unborn child may have Down Syndrome, it strikes fear into their hearts. What if their kid can’t enjoy life the way other children do? How will they cope with their child? Nothing can prepare a parent for this news, and in some cases, the parents may enter a depression, or choose to terminate the pregnancy<\/a>.
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However, children born with Down Syndrome can lead happy, healthy lives \u2013 as long as they have the right support structure available from their parents, educators, and peers. It’s important to note that if you receive a diagnosis of Down Syndrome in your child \u2013 it is not your fault, and this is a genetic abnormality you have no control over.
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Some parents may experience stress on their relationship after hearing the diagnosis. In these cases, it’s a prudent move to attend counseling sessions where the couple can talk their way through the situation and express their fears and concerns over the pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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17. Characteristics of Down Syndrome<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kids born with Down Syndrome have a unique physical appearance that sets them apart from other kids born without the disorder. Patients with Down Syndrome experience unique health issues, and variations in how the condition affects their cognitive abilities. However, Down Syndrome is most known for the inherent differences in facial and structural features of the affected individual.
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The physical features associated with Down Syndrome include the following;
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Issues with the eyes \u2013 Patients experience the development of oblique fissures, as well as, epicanthic skin folds on the corners of the eyes, and white spots in the iris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients have lower levels of muscle tone and short stature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The nose may have a flat bridge, and the tongue <\/a>may protrude. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients with Down Syndrome also typically have a long crease in the palms of their hands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients with Down Syndrome may also develop a wider space between the big and second toes, as well as a flexion furrow in the pinkie finger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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18. Causes of Down Syndrome<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder. Some viral pathogens<\/a>, such as the Zika virus, cause congenital disabilities in the size and shape of the head due to the impact of the illness on fetal development. However, the characteristics of Down Syndrome occur for an entirely different reason.
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Medical science understands that Down Syndrome occurs due to an extra chromosome upon inception. However, it fails to identify the pathway or mechanism responsible for passing the additional genetic material to the fetus. Therefore, there is no way that doctors can prevent the disease from occurring, as it would require gene manipulation.
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There are current successful trials for removing genetic abnormalities using CRISPR, a genetic manipulation technology. However, there exists no clinical evidence that suggests there is a means to stop parents from passing on the additional genetic material to the fetus.
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As a result, the best medical science can offer potential parents, is genetic screening and diagnostic testing during pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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19. Schoolkids and Down Syndrome<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Educational professionals with experience in teaching children with Down Syndrome recommend that you start your child on the right track to their education as soon as possible. Enrolling them in the necessary speech <\/a>and language therapy early on will help them overcome their disabilities in these areas faster.
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Some States provide provisions for kids with Down Syndrome in the public school system from age-3. The IDEA Act requires local school districts to offer “free appropriate education in the least restrictive environment.” This Act also includes an individualized education program (IEP) for every disabled learner.
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Some parents may battle with the decision of where to send their child to school. Each case of Down Syndrome is unique, and you’ll need to exercise your best judgment on the topic, along with expert advice from counselors, to make your decision. Some kids with DS require special school needs, while others can integrate into the public school from an early age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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20. Fast Facts on Down Syndrome<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few fast facts on Down Syndrome that you may not be aware of as a concerned parent.
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\u2022 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Down Syndrome occurs when the cells <\/a>receive and an extra copy of chromosome 21 from their parents during conception.
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\u2022    Medical science cannot explain the mechanism for the passing of the additional gene from the parents.
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\u2022    DS is the most common chromosomal abnormality in babies born in the United States, with one in every 691-children affected by the genetic disorder.
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\u2022    DS affects more than 400,000-Americans.
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\u2022    In the early Eighties, the average lifespan of a patient with DS was 25-years old. Today, thanks to advances in treatment, and managed care, the average lifespan is 60-years old.
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\u2022    Children born with DS have the features of their parents, but they may develop a distinctive look that’s similar in other children with the disorder.
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\u2022    The risk of bearing a child with DS increase with age, with women over the age of 30-years old most affected. However, since most births occur in women under the age of 30, DS is more common in this category.
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