How to manage Children with Down syndrome? Learn the necessary tips

Down syndrome management tips for parents and care-givers

Monday, 19th April 2021

When a woman in her mid-30 decides to get pregnant the possibility of begetting a baby with Down syndrome is quite high. Down syndrome may be defined as a genetic defect that arises from the abnormal division of cells that leads to an extra gene coming from chromosome 21. The extra gene triggers developmental issues and typical features associated with Down syndrome. In a maximum of the cases, Down syndrome is the result of Trisomy 21 in the case of which one would have 3 replicas of the chromosome 21 instead of the normal and regular 2 replicas in all the cells.

Parents to whom a child with Down syndrome is born to need to be aware of the tips and management techniques for such special cases.

With immense advancement in the realm of healthcare, doctors can now effectively diagnose if the fetus in the mother’s womb will have Down syndrome or not. A couple of blood tests and scans can let the doctor know about this within just a few months following conception. Despite all these advancements our country still records quite a few Down syndrome cases. Improved understanding of the case and early medical intervention can lead to an improved life for the children as well as adults suffering from this condition.

Babies with Down syndrome come with distinct facial features, learning as well as understanding disability and also developmental delays. It can further lead to other health conditions such as gastrointestinal and heart disorders.

Also Read: 5 Tips to help children with autism spectrum disorder get good sleep.

Certain groups of parents are more likely to beget kids with Down syndrome. Here’s the list:

• Mothers who are beyond 35 years of age
• Parents who come with genetic translocation
• Parents with one kid who has this condition

Furthermore, people suffering from Down syndrome are more prone to getting infected. They may have to struggle with various types of infections such as urinary tract infections, skin infections, and respiratory infections. Therefore, parents or guardians must pay extra attention to them.

With strict medical intervention from time to time, with the support of special therapists & educators, those with Down syndrome too can live a quiet normal life.

Few tips caregivers & parents must follow in order to manage the kids with Down syndrome:

Fix priorities

Your kid with Down syndrome will need your extra attention. So, you must fix your priorities for your kids and must ensure that they don’t feel neglected.

Be communicative

A kid with Down syndrome will find it difficult to speak in the early growth stages. So, parents and caregivers must establish proper communication channels making use of understandable communication modes like hand gestures, facial expressions, eye movements, etc.

Make the kid follow a routine

You must make the kid adhere to a specified daily routine for all day-to-day activities. This will help the child adapt to things with ease.

Appreciate and motivate the kid

You must always motivate and appreciate the child. If you shout at the child or use an abusive tongue, that’ll affect the child’s growth in a negative manner.

Teach them playfully

Children with Down syndrome often have issues with learning. The best way to help them learn is by teaching them while you play with them.

Offer them the necessary therapies

If you appoint a speech therapist and a physiotherapist for your kid with Down syndrome then you can actually accelerate their physical and mental development as well as growth.

The News Talkie Bureau

Source:

Indianexpress