Symptoms of Down Syndrome
The physical features and medical problems associated with Down syndrome can vary widely among individuals with some kids with the condition leading a normal life while others need a lot of medical attention.
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Children with Down syndrome (DS) tend to share certain physical features such as a flat facial profile, an upward slant to the eyes, widened space between the eyes, small ears, and a protruding tongue.
Other features are short stubby fingers, single crease in the palms and a wide gap between the first and second toes.
At birth, children with DS are usually of average size, but they tend to grow at a slower rate and remain smaller than their peers. For infants, low muscle tone may contribute to sucking and feeding problems as well as floppy appearance.
They also have constipation and other digestive issues. Toddlers and older children may have delays in speech and self-care skills like feeding, dressing and toilet training. One of the constant features of DS is delayed developments.
Down syndrome affects the child’s ability to learn in different ways, but most have mild to moderate intellectual impairment. However, children with DS can and do learn, and are capable of developing skills throughout their lives.
They simply reach goals at a different pace — which is why it is important not to compare a child with DS against a normal sibling or even other children with the condition because they are always mentally retarded though to various degrees.
In addition, children with DS can have significant medical conditions. Almost half of all children born with DS will have a heart problem, mostly a hole in heart, hearing and visual impairment, lung problems, obesity, an increased susceptibility to infection and a higher risk of childhood leukaemia.
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Two types of prenatal tests are used to detect Down syndrome in a fetus: screening tests and diagnostic tests. Screening tests estimate the risk that a fetus has DS; diagnostic tests can tell whether the foetus actually has the condition.
Screening tests are cost-effective and easy to perform. But because they don't give a definitive answer as to whether a baby has DS, these tests are used to help parents decide whether to have more diagnostic tests.
Diagnostic tests are about 99 per cent accurate in detecting Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. However, because they're performed inside the uterus, they are associated with a risk of miscarriage and other complications.
Though Down syndrome can't be prevented, it can be detected before a child is born.
The health problems that can go along can be treated and there are many resources available to help children and their families who are living with the condition.
Children with DS are very affable, humorous and full of life. That, not all is lost, is attested to by Paula Sage, a patient with DS, who is a celebrated British actress with a BAFTA award to her honour.