Treatment of Down Syndrome

There is no cure for Down syndrome. Though many companies advertise a cure or a method for improving Down syndrome, the fact is that it is a genetic disability, and its effects almost certainly start very early in the baby’s development. This does not mean you shouldn’t treat Down syndrome, or give up on your baby as hopeless. Instead, it means that you must use a variety of methods to treat the problems Down syndrome brings with it.

Any child with a mental disability will pose special problems when it comes to his or her development. You should not try to struggle with this by yourself; instead, get in touch with a Down syndrome support group. Parents and family members who have raised Down syndrome children are the best resource to help you set appropriate expectations for your child.

Standard medical tests that should be done for any child with Down syndrome include tests to detect the presence of congenital heart disease and proper kidney functioning; most Down syndrome babies have abnormalities in these organs, and fifty percent have congenital heart disease. Since thyroid dysfunction is common among children with Down syndrome, yearly screening for hypothyroidism is recommended. You should also monitor your child’s growth carefully. If a child is below the third percentile in growth, there may be issues that haven’t been caught such as congenital heart disease, endocrine disorders, or problems with their diet or digestive system.

Down syndrome children are also prone to serious problems such as eye cataracts and hearing problems. These issues may further limit a child’s intellectual growth, and should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Babies sometimes have a problem with eating because their sucking reflexes aren’t as well developed as they should be; if your baby doesn’t seem to be eating as much as he or she should, you should talk to a nurse or lactation specialist. Babies are also especially prone to ear infections, largely because the structures around their ears are shaped a little differently from other babies’. Because feeding habits have been linked with ear infections, you should discuss the best way to feed your baby with a nurse.

Later, sleep problems and digestive issues such as constipation or diarrhea may indicate other issues. Speech and language therapy should be initiated as soon as reasonably possible to remove any barriers dealing with communication from your child. A Down syndrome child will have educational problems for the length of his or her schooling, so you should work closely with the school in order to ensure the best possible education for your child.

Above all, the parents of a Down syndrome child should take care of themselves. It can be exhausting to care for a special needs child. Join a parent support group and take time for yourself. Your child needs you to be in the best condition possible.