Therapy
Jun 14, 2012 · There is no single, standard treatment for Down syndrome. Treatments are based on each individual's physical and intellectual needs as well as his or her personal strengths and limitations. 1 People with Down syndrome can receive proper care while living at home and in the community. A child with Down syndrome likely will receive care from a team of health …
Is there any natural treatment for Down syndrome?
Current treatment methods focus on the specific symptoms that each person with Down syndrome has. In addition to specific treatment related to associated medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, chronic ear infections, and sleep apnea, supportive therapies such as occupational, speech, physical therapy, and sensory therapies are essential to allowing all …
How do you cure 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.
What is the life expectancy of someone with 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 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.
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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.
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:
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.
What emotions do you feel when you learn your child has Down syndrome?
When you learn your child has Down syndrome, you may experience a range of emotions, including anger, fear, worry and sorrow. You may not know what to expect, and you may worry about your ability to care for a child with a disability. The best antidote for fear and worry is information and support.
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.
What type of therapy is best for Down syndrome?
With speech therapy , a child with Down syndrome can learn how to overcome these obstacles and communicate more clearly. Some kids also benefit from learning and using sign language. Occupational therapy: This type of therapy helps children develop the skills they'll need to be as independent as possible.
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 percentage of people with Down syndrome are born with a thyroid problem?
For example, according to the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), around 10 percent of people with the disorder are born with a thyroid problem or develop one later in life. 3 The most common of these is hypothyroidism, in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of a hormone called thyroxin.
What is the name of the hormone that is given to people with Down syndrome?
People with hypothyroidism—with or without the additional diagnosis of Down syndrome—usually take a synthetic form of the hormone (levothyroxine) by mouth to manage the condition.
Can Down syndrome cause bad posture?
Physical therapy: Most babies with Down syndrome have hypotonia (low muscle tone) that can slow their physical development and, if not treated, lead to problems such as bad posture later in life.
Can Down syndrome be cured?
Yes, Down syndrome is a lifelong condition. It cannot be cured, but with support and therapies, many people with Down syndrome live happy and productive lives. 7.
Is there any treatment for Down syndrome?
There is no treatment for Down syndrome itself, but there are conditions associated with Down syndrome that require treatment. Health conditions that affect some people with Down syndrome include heart defects, gastrointestinal tract deformities, thyroid disorders, hearing difficulties, and vision problems.
Treatment
There currently is no FDA-approved targeted treatment for Down syndrome, nor is there a cure. Current treatment methods focus on the specific symptoms that each person with Down syndrome has.
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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.
How does early intervention help children with Down syndrome?
Even before a child with Down Syndrome reaches school age, various therapies can help.
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.
Why is it important to watch out for hearing loss in Down syndrome?
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.
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 can I do to help my child with Down syndrome?
Your child’s doctors, therapists, and teachers can help figure out which is best for them.
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.
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
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.
Is Down syndrome one size fits all?
Because Down syndrome affects everyone who has it in different ways, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. But doctors do know that the earlier children get care, the more likely they are to live up to their full potential.
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.
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.
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 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.
Can Down syndrome affect families?
This can take an emotional toll on a family, but the more parents learn about their child’s condition, the fewer dark corners there will be and the easier a sense of normal and healthy living can be achieved. With sufficient treatment and adequate support, both a child with Down syndrome and their family can lead healthy, happy lives.
