Therapy
Treatment throughout the course of an individual’s life will involve regular medical check-ups, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, nutritional needs and counselling. Regular medical check-ups are important for identifying, managing and monitoring an individual with Down syndrome’s overall health condition.
Is there any natural treatment for Down syndrome?
This is treated with surgery that removes part of the intestine. Infections. Babies with Down syndrome also have weaker immune systems, so they …
What are the treatments and therapies for Down syndrome?
Dec 06, 2018 · Down Syndrome Treatment Options There is no medical cure for Down syndrome, however, children with Down syndrome benefit from early access to medical care and developmental interventions beginning in infancy. Beneficial therapies for Down syndrome include physical, occupational, behavioral, and speech therapy. Physical Therapy for Down Syndrome
Is there a cure coming soon for Down syndrome?
Some one with Down syndrome will likely be treated by a team of specialists and undergo therapies such as PT, OT, social and speech therapy. Along with this Down syndrome can cause cardiac abnormalities, digestive track problems, or vision/hearing problems. These would all be managed on an individual basis with medications, surgeries, or special diets. The different …
Are there cures being worked on for Down syndrome?
Antipsychotics can be effective in reducing the behavioral symptoms of sundowner’s syndrome. Some of them can also be effective in improving sleep disturbances by producing sedative effects. Melatonin. Though there is no conclusive research on the benefits of melatonin, it has been shown to improve sleep patterns in certain people.
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How to help people with Down syndrome?
Participate in social and leisure activities. Take time for family outings and look in your community for social activities such as park district programs, sports teams or ballet classes. Although some adaptations may be required, children and adults with Down syndrome can enjoy social and leisure activities.
How do people with Down syndrome live?
Most people with Down syndrome live with their families or independently, go to mainstream schools, read and write, participate in the community, and have jobs. People with Down syndrome can live fulfilling lives. By Mayo Clinic Staff.
What tests can be done to determine if a baby has Down syndrome?
Diagnostic tests can identify or diagnose whether your baby has Down syndrome. Your health care provider can discuss the types of tests, advantages and disadvantages, benefits and risks, and the meaning of your results. If appropriate, your provider may recommend that you talk to a genetics counselor.
How does early intervention help children with Down syndrome?
Early intervention for infants and children with Down syndrome can make a major difference in improving their quality of life. Because each child with Down syndrome is unique, treatment will depend on individual needs. Also, different stages of life may require different services.
When is integrated screening done?
The integrated screening test is done in two parts during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. The results are combined to estimate the risk that your baby has Down syndrome.
What is nuchal translucency?
This is known as a nuchal translucency screening test. When abnormalities are present, more fluid than usual tends to collect in this neck tissue. Using your age and the results of the blood test and the ultrasound, your doctor or genetic counselor can estimate your risk of having a baby with Down syndrome.
Is screening for Down syndrome a part of prenatal care?
Screening for Down syndrome is offered as a routine part of prenatal care . Although screening tests can only identify your risk of carrying a baby with Down syndrome, they can help you make decisions about more-specific diagnostic tests.
What do kids with Down syndrome need?
Most kids with Down syndrome need therapies of various types. Some are focused on helping patients reach physical milestones at the same rate as those who don't have the disorder. Others are aimed at helping them become as independent as possible when they reach adulthood.
What are assistive devices?
2 These range from simple items like three-sided pencils and spring-loaded scissors that are easier to hold and manipulate to more elaborate devices such as computers with touchscreens or keyboards with large letters.
What is early intervention?
Early intervention, according to the NDSS, is a "systematic program of therapy, exercises, and activities designed to address developmental delays that may be experienced by children with Down syndrome or other disabilities. ". 1 Early intervention typically includes these three types of therapy:
Can Down syndrome cause hearing loss?
Speech therapy: Children with Down syndrome often have small mouths and slightly enlarged tongues—features that can make it hard for them to speak clearly. These problems can be made worse in children with hypotonia because low muscle tone can affect the face. Hearing loss also can affect speech development.
What is the name of the defect in the heart that interferes with normal blood flow?
Certain birth defects are common in babies with Down syndrome. One of these is an atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD), in which a hole in the heart interferes with normal blood flow. 5 An AVSD is treated surgically by patching the hole and, if necessary, repairing any valves in the heart that may not close completely.
Can Down syndrome be treated with medication?
Many of the health problems that affect someone with Down syndrome can be managed with medication—typically the same medication that would be given to a person who doesn't have Down syndrome.
What is the deformity of the duodenum?
Some babies with Down syndrome are born with a deformity of the duodenum (a tube that allows digested food to pass from the stomach into the small bowel) called duodenal atresia. 6 It requires surgery to be repaired but isn't considered an emergency if there are other more pressing medical issues. Duodenal atresia can be dealt with temporarily with a tube placed to decompress swelling in the stomach and intravenous fluids to treat dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that often result from the condition.
What is the best treatment for Down syndrome?
Physical Therapy . Physical therapy focuses on improving how a person moves. Because children and adults with Down Syndrome commonly have poor muscle tone and smaller hands, physical therapy can allay any difficulties caused by these traits.
What is the best way to teach children with Down syndrome?
Touchscreen tablets and computers are useful for children with Down Syndrome who struggle with performing fine motor movements. Educational software approaches learning via interaction and implementing sight, sound, and touch, which can make lessons more accessible and appealing.
How does early intervention help children with Down syndrome?
Even before a child with Down Syndrome reaches school age, various therapies can help.
How does speech therapy help children with Down syndrome?
The overall goal is to improve the child’s ability to communicate. One thing to watch out for in particular is hearing loss. Due to anatomical differences in children with Down Syndrome, they are prone to fluid retention behind the eardrum that can cause hearing loss. Even though the fluid can be drained, this sometimes-chronic condition exemplifies how a child’s learning of auditory language can be disrupted. The result is, of course, life-long difficulties in speech and understanding. Communication takes many forms, and your child’s specific needs will shape what is stressed during therapy sessions.
What does an occupational therapist do?
Unlike physical therapists, occupational therapists work on improving fine motor skills and the performance of daily tasks like getting dressed, brushing one’s teeth, and eating. As the child gets older, the focus will shift to skills like writing and using a computer.
Is there a cure for Down syndrome?
While there is no cure for Down Syndrome, there are therapies, treatments, and educational support available to improve the quality of life of those affected. The exact course of treatment will depend on the individual, taking into account the person’s age, overall health, environment, and personal strengths and limitations.
What is the treatment for Down syndrome?
Treatment throughout the course of an individual’s life will involve regular medical check-ups, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupa tional therapy, nutritional needs and counselling. Regular medical check-ups are important for identifying, managing and monitoring an individual with Down syndrome’s overall health condition. ...
What is the purpose of a comprehensive treatment plan?
Once diagnosed and all relevant checks and tests have been conducted, a doctor will put together a comprehensive treatment plan to ensure that a child remains as healthy as possible as he or she grows. Different stages will require different phases of treatment and services.
Why is it important to have a regular eye checkup?
Regular check-ups are important from the time of birth, and throughout a person’s life. During the first year, eye problems in particular are common and will be carefully assessed during check-ups. Many with Down syndrome have a higher chance of developing certain health problems and serious medical conditions.
What is a baby's physical exam?
During the physical examination, a baby will also be assessed for any obvious signs of potential problems. A baby with Down syndrome will be tested for medical problems, particularly with the heart, thyroid and eyes.
Can birth defects be corrected?
Many birth defects can be corrected through surgery which can become costly. Where parents can, seek out medical health insurance which will help to cover some of the necessary health costs. It may be necessary for considerably more medical check-ups for a child with Down syndrome than others.
Why is speech therapy important?
During early stages, speech therapy and physical therapy are critical and can help to ensure that a baby / child develops sufficiently enough to better enhance their quality of life during adulthood. It will take time and patience from everyone involved, but a child will learn to master a variety of skills.
Can you raise a child with special needs?
Some choose to place their child in foster care or give a baby up for adoption. Others choose to raise their child as best they can.
What are the symptoms of Down syndrome?
Other medical problems. Your child may also have other less common issues that need treatment, such as: 1 Blockage in the intestine. Some babies with Down syndrome get Hirschsprung ’s disease, where part of the intestine gets blocked. This is treated with surgery that removes part of the intestine. 2 Infections. Babies with Down syndrome also have weaker immune systems, so they may get sick more often. There’s no treatment for this, but it means that getting vaccines on time is even more important. 3 Thyroid problems. The thyroid makes hormones your body need. In kids with Down syndrome, it sometimes doesn’t make enough. If that happens, your child will take medicine to help.
What is early intervention?
Early Intervention. Most states offer programs that provide a range of services for children up to 3 years old. These programs can boost your child’s physical and mental growth. They typically have therapists and teachers who are specially trained to help kids learn a variety of skills, such as how to:
Can Down syndrome cause hearing loss?
Many children with Down syndrome have hearing loss in one or both ears. Because of that, your child will likely have regular visits with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor to catch any issues early on. Sometimes hearing problems are caused by fluid build-up in the ears.
Can adenoids cause sleep apnea?
Sometimes, larger-than-normal tonsils and adenoids cause sleep apnea. In this case, your doctor may suggest surgery to remove them. Leukemia. Children with Down syndrome are at a 10- to 20-fold increase for developing this blood cancer. But the risk is still at 2%.
Do kids with Down syndrome go to school?
Many kids with Down syndrome go to their neighborhood schools along with all the other kids. This can be great not only for your child, but for the other children as well. Your child also has the right to get services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which starts at age 3.
What is the best way to help a child with Down syndrome?
Occupational Therapy. Occupational Therapy: Using their knowledge of child development, neurology, medical conditions, psychosocial development, and therapeutic techniques, occupational therapists focus on helping a child with Down syndrome master skills for independence. This may include teaching a child to write, eat, play, or dress themselves.
How can a speech therapist help a child with Down syndrome?
Speech therapists can assist children with Down syndrome with increasing the coordination in their mouth to form words, teach them alternative communication techniques such as sign language to assist and augment with the facilitation of spoken language or use a combination of both approaches .
What is a NAPA center?
NAPA Center is a world-renowned provider of pediatric therapy services. Throughout the years, we have engaged in countless therapy sessions with our friends with Down syndrome. In this blog, we will be examining the characteristics, causes, treatment, and therapy options for Down syndrome.
How many babies have Down syndrome?
About 1 in every 700 pregnancies results in a child with Down syndrome. While the actual cause of the creation of the extra chromosome is still unknown, research supports the fact that a mother has a higher chance of having a child with Down syndrome if the delivery occurs after the age of 35.
What is the genetic condition that occurs when there are three copies of chromosome 21 in an individual's cells
Down syndrome , also known as Trisomy 21, is a genetic condition that occurs when there are three copies of chromosome 21 in an individual’s cells, rather than the typical two copies. It results from an error that occurs following fertilization when cells begin to divide. The characteristics and features of Down syndrome are caused by the extra copy of chromosome 21 being in every cell in the body.
What are the behavioral concerns of Down syndrome?
Behavioral Therapy: Common behavior concerns for children with Down syndrome include wandering off, attention problems, and compulsive behaviors. Behavioral therapists try to understand why a child is experiencing behavioral concerns, create strategies for preventing these situations from occurring, and teach more positive ways to respond to situations.
Is there a cure for Down syndrome?
There is no medical cure for Down syndrome, however, children with Down syndrome benefit from early access to medical care and developmental interventions beginning in infancy. Beneficial therapies for Down syndrome include physical, occupational, behavioral, and speech therapy.
What are the symptoms of Down syndrome?
People with Down syndrome often have medical conditions that are either present at birth or develop over time. However, Doctors can help manage these conditions with medicines or other care. Common conditions of Down syndrome can include: 1 Intellectual disability (lower IQ) 2 Heart problems, frequently present at birth 3 Thyroid abnormalities 4 Hearing and vision problems 5 Gastrointestinal problems, like constipation, gastroesophageal reflux, and celiac disease 6 Challenges with autism, social skills, communication, and repetitive behavior
What is early intervention?
The early intervention is the range of specialized initiatives and resources that experts provide to the child with Down’s Syndrome and their families. There are a lot of children with Down syndrome are eligible for free, appropriate public education under federal law.
Can you take amino acid supplements for Down syndrome?
There are some people suffering from Down’s Syndrome take amino acid supplements or drugs that can affect their brain activity. The newer psychoactive drugs that are much more specific, have been developed. There are no controlled clinical studies of these medications for Down’s Syndrome have demonstrated their safety and efficacy.
Can Down syndrome be managed?
However, Doctors can help manage these conditions with medicines or other care. Common conditions of Down syndrome can include:
What is Sundowner's syndrome?
Sundowner’s syndrome is a condition that causes a person to experience episodes of increasing confusion, agitation and overall activity as the day transitions to night. While most people slow down as the day reaches its end, those with sundowner’s syndrome only become more active. Sundowner’s syndrome often co-occurs with another form of dementia, ...
What are the symptoms of sundowners?
Disturbances in sleeping patterns, such as feeling excessive sleepiness during the day after a sleepless night. Difficulty speaking or thinking with clarity. Outbursts of yelling and aggression. Importantly, these symptoms are only indicative of sundowner’s if they recur just about every day.
Can elderly people with Sundowner's syndrome be moved into assisted living?
In some cases, elderly people with Sundowner’s syndrome may become too much for caregivers to effectively manage at home. If you find yourself doubting your ability to provide the best care and a safe environment for your loved one, you may want to consider moving them into an assisted living facility or another appropriate residential facility.
What are the benefits of assisted living?
They include: Residents have access to trained nursing staff that can manage difficult symptoms of sundowner’s syndrome, such as agitation or hallucinations.
How much sleep do you need for sundowners?
Research suggests older adults need as much sleep as young adults – or about 7 to 9 hours each night.
When is it a good idea to bring in an outside resource?
When the stress of constantly monitoring your aging loved one is too much for one caregiver to handle , it can be a good idea to bring in an outside resource, such as a professional caregiver, or think about alternative living options.
Can sundowners be treated with medication?
Lifestyle changes are always the first-line treatment option for people with sundowner’s, as medications sometimes carry a risk profile that outweighs the potential benefits. Still, medications may be used if lifestyle changes do not effectively reduce daily agitation or aggressive behavior.
