Therapy
Healthcare Guidelines. Health care guidelines help define the standards of quality care for individuals with Down syndrome. In addition to specific recommendations for screening tests, they include information about the kinds of medical conditions that individuals with Down syndrome are at risk for and suggestions for early intervention,...
What are the health care guidelines for Down syndrome?
Some of these therapies are listed below. Physical therapy includes activities and exercises that help build motor skills, increase muscle strength, and improve posture and balance. Speech-language therapy can help children with Down syndrome improve their communication skills and use language more effectively.
What are the different therapies for Down syndrome?
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.
What devices are available for children with Down syndrome?
One of the best ways to find a professional in your area is to ask families of other children with Down syndrome in the area. Search online parent support groups or find your local Down syndrome organization for support.
How do I find a professional to help my child with Down syndrome?
What treatment options would you provide to a patient with Down's syndrome?
Therapies for Down SyndromeSpeech-language Therapy. Speech-language therapy addresses communication and language skills by focusing on articulation, cognitive skills, and strengthening the oral muscles (tongue, lips). ... Physical Therapy. ... Occupational Therapy. ... Assistive Technology. ... Special Education.
What assistance do people with Down syndrome need?
People with Down syndrome qualify for Supplemental Security Income, or SSI benefits. These are available for the most financially needy people in the US. There are strict income limits for people receiving SSI benefits.
What resources are available for Down syndrome?
10 helpful Down syndrome resourcesNational Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) ... National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) ... International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association (IMDSA) ... National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS) ... Down Syndrome Resource Foundation (DSRF) ... The Arc. ... Association for Children with Down Syndrome (ACDS) ... Uno Mas!More items...•
What is one intervention for someone with Down syndrome?
The most common early intervention services for babies with Down syndrome are physical therapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy.
How is Down syndrome treated in adults?
Look at housing options such as group homes, supervised independent living, or family-owned independent housing. Most adults who have Down syndrome enjoy exercise and getting involved. Ask your relative about their hobbies and interests. Options can range from adult day care to the Special Olympics.
What research is being done on Down syndrome?
Areas of current and future research activity include the development of clinical trials for testing medical interventions and therapeutics in those with Down syndrome, the development and characterization of mouse models for understanding Down syndrome and testing the effectiveness of various medications, and the ...
How do you prepare a child with Down syndrome?
Things to do when your baby has Down syndrome. Enjoy your baby. Play with her, read to her, rock her, cuddle with her, talk to her, gaze at her when she's sleeping, figure out what she likes – and do it often! Connect with other parents of children with Down syndrome.
Is there a symbol for Down syndrome?
The three arrows are the perfect symbol for parents of Down syndrome, May explained, because the number three is representative of the three 21st chromosomes that result in Down syndrome. The arrows, May said, represent how the parents of these special children "rise up and move forward.
How is Down syndrome diagnosed?
Diagnostic Tests. Amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and ultrasound are the three primary procedures for diagnostic testing. Amniocentesis — Amniocentesis is used most commonly to identify chromosomal problems such as Down syndrome.
What is the National Association for Down Syndrome?
National Association for Down Syndrome. This organization provides resources and information for parents of children with Down syndrome. Special Olympics. The Special Olympics supports events and awareness of exercise-related activities for people with disabilities, including Down syndrome.
What is the National Down Syndrome Society?
National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) The Society functions as a national advocate for the value, acceptance, and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Alzheimer's Disease & Down Syndrome: A Practical Guidebook for Caregivers. NDSS wrote this booklet to help educate families and caregivers about the connection between Down syndrome ...
What is GDSF?
GDSF works to improve the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education, and advocacy. The DSCRC conducts research and offers services for people with Down syndrome. This organization provides resources and information for parents of children with Down syndrome.
What is the Down syndrome research foundation?
The Down Syndrome Research Foundation sent a questionnaire to 314 families across Canada who were part of the Canadian Voluntary Registry on Down Syndrome. This questionnaire was designed to collect information from parents about physical examinations, laboratory tests, referrals and discussions with family physicians that are listed in the health care guidelines.
What are the most common medical conditions reported by families?
The most common medical conditions reported by families were visual-, hearing- and cardiac-related conditions . A high percentage of sleep-, gastrointestinal- (including celiac disease, duodenal atresia and Hirschsprung’s disease) and thyroid-related conditions were also reported (Figure 1). Table 2shows the most commonly reported diagnoses made by clinical psychologists by age range. In the childhood and adolescent years, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, disruptive behaviours and obsessive-compulsive behaviours were most commonly reported. It is particularly noteworthy that in the adult group (ie, 30 years of age and older), depression and/or anxiety disorders were most commonly reported.
Is DSMIG practice widely distributed?
The DSMIG practice guidelines have been widely distributed to parents and other caregivers of children and adults with DS. Unfortunately, family physicians and paediatricians are not as well informed. There is no mention of the guidelines in popular child-oriented textbooks (eg, Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics [16]); however, they were published in the journal Pediatrics several years ago (17). The present study indicates that further physician education about the DSMIG guidelines is clearly necessary.
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 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.
How does Down syndrome affect a baby?
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. Physical therapy can help them to develop muscle tone and strength, and also teach them how to move their bodies in appropriate ways that help their daily functioning.
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.
When should children with Down syndrome start receiving early intervention services?
The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that all children born with Down syndrome should begin receiving early intervention services as soon after birth as possible.
Is Down syndrome a disease?
Common Characteristics of Down Syndrome. Down syndrome (trisomy 21) isn't a disease or condition that can be managed or cured with medication or surgery. The goal of treatment, therefore, is not to address the disorder itself, but rather the variety of health issues, medical conditions, and physical, developmental, ...
What are the guidelines for Down syndrome?
Health care guidelines help define the standards of quality care for individuals with Down syndrome. In addition to specific recommendations for screening tests, they include information about the kinds of medical conditions that individuals with Down syndrome are at risk for and suggestions for early intervention, diet and exercise and other issues across the lifespan.
What are the global guidelines for adults with Down syndrome?
The GLOBAL Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome provide first of-kind, evidence-based medical recommendations to support clinicians in their care of adults with Down syndrome. This life-changing resource as published in JAMA covers 9 topic areas deemed critically important for the health and well-being of adults with Down syndrome and outlines critical future research needs. Adults with Down syndrome and their caregivers should review the GLOBAL Guidelines with their clinicians to ensure they are receiving care meeting best-practice standards for adults with Down syndrome!
How to find a professional for Down syndrome?
One of the best ways to find a professional in your area is to ask families of other children with Down syndrome in the area.
What is a specialized guideline?
For Parents: Specialized guidelines help define for parents what is needed, so they can communicate with their primary care physician and say, “This is what is recommended. This is what we need to do.”
What do we need when we have a child with special needs?
What we need when we have a child with special health care needs is someone who will collaborate-who is open to listening to parents and seeing them as partners. We need to know how to identify someone with that style.
When was the 2011 guidelines for Down syndrome published?
These guidelines are based on “Health Supervision for Children with Down Syndrome” published in Pediatrics (Vol. 128, No. 2, August 1, 2011. pp. 393 -406.)
Why are specialized guidelines important?
Specialized guidelines help define for parents what is needed, so they can communicate with their primary-care physician and say, “This is what is recommended. This is what we need to do.”. It is a helpful tool for physicians, too, because it defines the medical vulnerabilities and the necessary screenings.
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 medications do people with Down syndrome take?
Comparable percentages of younger adults and older adults with Down syndrome use anti-anxiety medications (16% vs. 16%), cholesterol-lowering agents (9% vs. 11%), hormones other than thyroid-related hormones (13.0% vs. 14%), and calcium (30% vs. 30%). Less than 10% of this sample of adults with Down syndrome uses folic acid, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B12, or vitamin C while more than 50% use vitamin E. Less than 10% of the entire sample of adults with Down syndrome uses cholinesterase inhibitors. Comparable percentages of younger and older adults with Down syndrome use Fosamax (21% vs. 23%) and medications for gastroesophageal reflux disease (18% vs. 22%), hypothyroidism (35% vs. 38%) and respiratory conditions (26% vs. 28%).
What is the need for additional research that examines the aging process of adults with Down syndrome?
This includes an examination of the presence of medical conditions affecting adults with Down syndrome as well as the medications prescribed for the treatment of these conditions. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the following two questions:
What are the effects of Down syndrome on life expectancy?
Adults with intellectual disabilities such as Down syndrome are experiencing simultaneous increases in life expectancy and the prevalence of certain medical conditions [1], including hypothyroidism [2] and sleep apnoea [3]. Premature aging is not uncommon for older adults with Down syndrome [4]. Dementia is common among adults with Down syndrome [5], as dementia and neuropsychological decline may accompany increased life expectancy for adults with Down syndrome. Prevalence data available with regard to dementia in adults with Down syndrome suggest that dementia occurs in 36 - 66% of adults between the ages of 50 to 59 years old and 9 - 11% of adults between the ages of 40 to 49 years old [ 6,7,8]. Additionally, increases in the use of certain medications are believed to occur among adults with Down syndrome when compared to adults without Down syndrome. Yet, little information has been published with regard to the types of medications and their indications for use.
What are the medical conditions associated with Down syndrome?
Numerous medical conditions are believed to be associated with the aging of adults with Down syndrome. Generalised lens opacities such as total cataract [9] may result from increased amounts of free radical reactions in adults with Down syndrome [10]. Hypercholesterolaemia is not uncommon in older adults with Down syndrome [11] and may be associated with family history [12,13]. Hypothyroidism may develop secondary to autoimmune thyroiditis [2]. Obstructive sleep apnoea may result from physiological and anatomical abnormalities in adults with Down syndrome [3]. Adults with Down syndrome experience limitations in cardio-respiratory capacity [14], osteoporosis [15], and late-onset seizures [16]. In fact, late-onset seizures are thought to occur in 75 - 85% of adults with Down syndrome who are affected by Alzheimer's disease after the age of 50 [16] .
What percentage of people with Down syndrome have psoriasis?
Relatively large percentages of older adults with Down syndrome (34%) experience skin conditions such as fungal infections, psoriasis, and skin rash as compared to younger adults with Down syndrome (20%), leading us to question whether the presence of such skin conditions is related to environment, the onset of memory loss and dementia, and poor self-care that may occur over time. Additionally, urinary incontinence is present in nearly 18% of this sample and may be related to the high percentage of skin conditions in this sample of adults with Down syndrome.
What are the common conditions in adults with Down syndrome?
Interestingly enough, however, osteoporosis occurs more frequently in younger adults with Down syndrome (26%) as compared to the older group (22%). Other medical conditions that commonly occur in this sample of adults with Down syndrome include gastroesophageal reflux disease (14%), pulmonary conditions (18%), and obstructive sleep apnoea (19%). Geriatricians, geriatric nurses, and other members of the health care team should be aware of the occurrence of medical conditions such as these, so as to focus assessment and treatment options as well as improve the overall quality of life for adults with Down syndrome.
How many medications are used in Down syndrome?
The number of medications used by adults with Down syndrome ranged from 0 - 16 medications per adult.
What are the health risks associated with Down syndrome?
In this literature review, the mostcommon health conditions associated with Down syndrome are exam-ined, along with the topics of sexual abuse, menstrual hygiene, contra-ception, and human rights. Clinical guidelines for this population aresummarized in an effort to assist practicing physicians in improving theirprovision of health care to the adult patient with Down syndrome.
Is leukemia common in Down syndrome?
Leukemia occurs with high frequency in the Down syn-drome population .30,45The most common types are acute lym-phocytic leukemia and myeloid leukemia of Down syndrome.With acute lymphocytic leukemia, the presentation and courseof disease are similar to that of the general population; however,with myeloid leukemia of Down syndrome, the counterpartsof which are myeloid dysplastic syndrome and acute myeloidleukemia, the course and response to treatment differ. Intensivetreatment leads to better survival rates than in patients withoutDown syndrome.45Patients with Down syndrome also have increased risks ofretinoblastoma, germ cell tumors (especially testicular carcinoma),and lymphomas.8,45Conversely, solid tumors, most notably breastand lung cancers, and secondary malignancies are significantlydecreased.45Although no screening examinations show improvedleukemia outcomes in the general population, because of the in-creased risk in Down syndrome, signs and symptoms of leukemiaand lymphoma such as refractory anemia, lethargy, fever, painfuljoints and extremities, pallor, lymphadenopathy, hepatospleno-megaly, bleeding, or easy bruising should be evaluated with acomplete blood count.3Diligent yearly testicular and ophthalmicexaminations may help in the detection of these cancers. It isrecommended that women with intellectual disabilities followthe same mammography screening as that in the populationwithout intellectual disabilities,46but there is insufficient evi-dence to reach a definitive conclusion regarding women withDown syndrome.47