Therapy
Jun 22, 2020 · Physical therapy is used to help Down syndrome patients learn motor skills. Speech therapy helps them learn how to use language effectively and to help them learn how to communicate. Emotional and behavioral therapy may also be used to help these individuals deal with unpleasant situations.
How do you cure 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.
Is there any treatment or cure for Down syndrome?
Oct 03, 2018 · 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. A physical therapy regimen will likely include strengthening and toning muscles, improving overall coordination and balance, and correcting posture. Occupational Therapy
What can be done for a person with Down syndrome?
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.
What are the treatments and therapies for Down syndrome?
Apr 06, 2021 · Treatments. Down syndrome is a lifelong condition. Services early in life will often help babies and children with Down syndrome to improve their physical and intellectual abilities. Most of these services focus on helping children with …
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This is treated with surgery that removes part of the intestine. Infections. Babies with Down syndrome also have weaker immune systems, so they …
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.
What to do if your child has Down syndrome?
If your child has Down syndrome, you'll likely rely on a team of specialists that can provide medical care and help him or her develop skills as fully as possible. Depending on your child's particular needs, your team may include some of these experts:
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.
What is the first trimester combined test?
The first trimester combined test. The first trimester combined test, which is done in two steps, includes: Blood test. This blood test measures the levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and the pregnancy hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Abnormal levels of PAPP-A and HCG may indicate a problem with the baby.
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 used to diagnose Down syndrome?
Diagnostic tests that can identify Down syndrome include: Chorionic villus sampling (CVS). In CVS, cells are taken from the placenta and used to analyze the fetal chromosomes.
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.
How to help people with Down syndrome?
There are different types of therapy methods that are used for patients with Down syndrome. Physical therapy is used to help Down syndrome patients learn motor skills. Speech therapy helps them learn how to use language effectively and to help them learn how to communicate. Emotional and behavioral therapy may also be used to help these individuals deal with unpleasant situations. Lastly, occupational therapy exists as a Down syndrome treatment method to help patients adjust to doing everyday tasks and help them realize their capabilities and physical capacity.
How long does Down syndrome treatment last?
This type of treatment can start as early as right after the baby is born (and diagnosed with Down syndrome) and will continue until the child reaches toddler age, or around three years old.
Is there a cure for Down syndrome?
Since people who have Down syndrome have varying abilities, there is no one-cure-for-all treatment that can be applied to people with this condition. People with Down syndrome mostly have a team of medical professionals and specialists who all interact with, and help facilitate the treatment for these individuals.
Can amino acids help with Down syndrome?
However, recent studies have shown that there is little effect of these supplements on the brains of Down syndrome patients. At the time of this writing, there is no medication that can cure Down syndrome.
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 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 is assistive technology?
Assistive technology is a term used to describe devices that help a person with a disability function better. These devices can be anything from hearing aids, pencil/pen grips, seat cushions and walking aids to large-button mobile phones and large-letter keyboards. 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.
What is occupational therapy?
Like the name suggests, occupational therapy is designed to improve the day-to-day skills necessary for living a healthy life and successfully navigating society. 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.
How old do you have to be to get special education for Down syndrome?
This means that educational services and accommodations should be made available to these children until they either finish high school or reach the age of 21.
What is the care of a baby with Down syndrome?
A baby with Down syndrome will be tested for medical problems, particularly with the heart, thyroid and eyes. Problems or defects detected and diagnosed early are usually better managed, ...
Why is it important to have a regular check up for Down syndrome?
Regular medical check-ups are important for identifying, managing and monitoring an individual with Down syndrome’s overall health condition . 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.
What is the treatment for an underactive thyroid gland?
Physical treatment will also involve: Medications – these can include antibiotics for the treatment of infections and thyroid hormones to treat an underactive thyroid gland, and supplements, amongst others relating to an individual’s personal health. Surgery – If a baby is born with congenital defects, surgery may be highly recommended ...
What is the best way to deal with emotional issues in teenage years?
During teenage years and early adulthood, in particular, sensitive emotions and issues can benefit greatly from counselling sessions while going through specific transitional phases of growing up. Emotional problems and assistance with social skills can be well managed and better understood through therapy.
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.
What does it mean when your stomach hurts?
Infancy: Symptoms such as stomach pain or swelling of the abdomen and vomiting could indicate intestinal blockage. A bluish discolouration of the fingers and lips, problems with breathing and sudden changes in activity level or feeding could indicate problems with the heart and its function.
What is the treatment plan for a child?
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.
What is a diagnostic test for Down syndrome?
Diagnostic tests are usually performed after a positive screening test in order to confirm a Down syndrome diagnosis. Types of diagnostic tests include: Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)—examines material from the placenta.
What tests can be used to detect Down syndrome?
There are two basic types of tests available to detect Down syndrome during pregnancy: screening tests and diagnostic tests. A screening test can tell a woman and her healthcare provider whether her pregnancy has a lower or higher chance of having Down syndrome.
What is the extra chromosome in Down syndrome?
Babies with Down syndrome have an extra copy of one of these chromosomes, chromosome 21. A medical term for having an extra copy of a chromosome is ‘trisomy.’. Down syndrome is also referred to as Trisomy 21. This extra copy changes how the baby’s body and brain develop, which can cause both mental and physical challenges for the baby.
Why can't people tell the difference between the two types of Down syndrome?
People often can’t tell the difference between each type without looking at the chromosomes because the physical features and behaviors are similar. Trisomy 21: About 95% of people with Down syndrome have Trisomy 21. 2 With this type of Down syndrome, each cell in the body has 3 separate copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual 2 copies.
How many chromosomes are there in a baby?
They determine how a baby’s body forms and functions as it grows during pregnancy and after birth. Typically, a baby is born with 46 chromosomes. Babies with Down syndrome have an extra copy of one of these chromosomes, chromosome 21. A medical term for having an extra copy ...
Why is there an extra chromosome 21?
Causes and Risk Factors. The extra chromosome 21 leads to the physical features and developmental challenges that can occur among people with Down syndrome. Researchers know that Down syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome, but no one knows for sure why Down syndrome occurs or how many different factors play a role.
What is the name of the test that looks for changes in the chromosomes that would indicate a Down
Amniocentesis —examines the amniotic fluid (the fluid from the sac surrounding the baby) Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS)—examines blood from the umbilical cord. These tests look for changes in the chromosomes that would indicate a Down syndrome diagnosis.
Why do babies with Down syndrome get sick more often?
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. Thyroid problems. The thyroid makes hormones your body need. In kids with Down syndrome, it sometimes doesn’t make enough.
When do kids with Down syndrome get checked for sleep apnea?
Typically, a child with Down syndrome gets checked for sleep apnea by age 4. During an overnight sleep test, doctors check to see if your child’s breathing stops and restarts. If so, they may need to wear a mask while sleeping. The mask is attached to a machine that help them breathe normally.
Why is it important to keep up with ear and eye exams?
It’s important to keep up with ear and eye exams, because problems seeing and hearing can lead to delays in learning and talking. Heart problems. About half the babies born with Down syndrome have a problem with either the shape of their heart or how it works.
How to help a 3 year old?
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: 1 Feed and dress themselves 2 Roll over, crawl, and walk 3 Play and be around other people 4 Think and solve problems 5 Talk, listen, and understand others
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.
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.
