21/03/2023
It’s world Down syndrome day!!!
What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material causes the developmental changes and physical features of Down syndrome.
Down syndrome varies in severity among individuals, causing lifelong intellectual disability and developmental delays. It's the most common genetic chromosomal disorder and cause of learning disabilities in children. It also commonly causes other medical abnormalities, including heart and gastrointestinal disorders.
Better understanding of Down syndrome and early interventions can greatly increase the quality of life for children and adults with this disorder and help them live fulfilling lives.
Symptoms
Each person with Down syndrome is an individual — intellectual and developmental problems may be mild, moderate or severe. Some people are healthy while others have significant health problems such as serious heart defects.
Children and adults with Down syndrome have distinct facial features. Though not all people with Down syndrome have the same features, some of the more common features include:
*Flattened face
*Small head
*Short neck
*Protruding tongue
*Upward slanting eye lids (palpebral fissures)
*Unusually shaped or small ears
*Poor muscle tone
*Broad, short hands with a single crease in the palm
*Relatively short fingers and small hands and feet
*Excessive flexibility
*Tiny white spots on the colored part (iris) of the eye called Brushfield's spots
*Short height
*Infants with Down syndrome may be average size, but typically they grow slowly and remain shorter than other children the same age.
Intellectual disabilities
Most children with Down syndrome have mild to moderate cognitive impairment. Language is delayed, and both short and long-term memory is affected.
What Therapy can do for kids with Down syndrome
Our team of therapists can:
*Assist development of fine motor skills such as grasping and pinching
*Assist to develop play and cognitive skills
Improve participation and independence in functional activities such as dressing and toileting
*Improve arm, wrist and hand strength, coordination and control
*Improve confidence and socialisation with peers through improved motor skills
*Address sensory integration concerns
*School readiness / preparedness
*Assist with transition to preschool and school
*Equipment and environmental modification as required
*Cognitive development through play and learning
*Develop the required attention skills required for school.
What you can do?
By providing your child with the opportunity to practice their developing motor skills in a variety of environments, they will continue to use the skills demonstrated at Therapies for Kids. Providing opportunities to play with their peers in a fun safe environment will maximize their physical development.
It can be fun to practise skills that develop strength and coordination of your child’s upper limb and these activities can be easily integrated into your everyday routine. Sponges in the bath, squeeze balls in the car and helping hang out the washing are great ways to develop hand and finger strength.
Parents can provide practice in speech and language skills at home and in the community. Varied and inclusive home and community experiences help children and adolescents with Down syndrome continue to acquire and use new communication skills. Activities that involve social interaction, such as scouting or participating in youth groups, can help young people with Down syndrome develop and practice speech and language skills. When a child has more opportunities to communicate, his or her skills will expand.
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