Mens & Womens Health

Raising Children with Down Syndrome can be just as rewarding as raising a baby without a disability, since these children are just as loving and full of personality as any other. However, there are some extra concerns parents may have. For example, half of the babies with Down syndrome have heart problems and most will require physical therapy to develop better muscle tone. Additionally, some babies suffer stomach or intestinal blockages or have problems swallowing. Some Down syndrome babies may have crossed eyes or cataracts or be more susceptible to colds, ear and sinus infections.

Children with this chromosomal disorder will have tribulations early on. Parents should be aware of the special-care needs for babies with Down syndrome as early as possible, to prepare themselves for the challenges that lie ahead. Some babies require medication to address a heart defect, while others require physical therapy sessions to help develop better muscle tone and coordination. Some syndrome babies have a difficult time learning to breastfeed at first, which is sometimes related to stomach or intestinal blockages. Eye, ear, nose, throat and thyroid problems are not uncommon, as is late teething. The main thing to keep in mind is that the baby will eventually get there, but patience and offering loving support are critical to the child’s development.

The educational needs for children with Down syndrome vary, depending on the degree of mental retardation. Early intervention and skill assessment is the key to relating to the child on terms he or she can relate with. For example, often concrete concepts are more easily understood than abstract ideas. Step-by-step teaching and providing consistent feedback are two techniques that can help the developmentally disabled. In the past, Down syndrome children went to separate schools or were home-schooled. Now, the mainstreaming of these children is proving effective at decreasing the emotional gap between children with this chromosomal disorder and those without. In countries like Denmark or Germany, a two-teacher approach allows these kids to observe and be exposed to others, while focusing on their special needs.

Raising children with Down syndrome can be challenging or worrisome at times, but also ultimately rewarding. Parents need to remain vigilant because a syndrome child may be able to tolerate high degrees of pain before expressing themselves and the first sign of illness might be abnormal behavior. Through the National Down Syndrome Society, parents can be connected with resources to teach themselves how to be more loving, caring, nurturing, stress-free moms and dads. Given the right environment, children born with Down syndrome can develop special abilities in art or music, find hobbies and careers, and really excel in life.