Down syndrome is a genetic anomaly that occurs as a result of an increase in the number of chromosomes by one unit, that is, there are 47 of them instead of the prescribed 46. Such children are born regardless of the social status of their parents or skin color. Scientists cannot accurately answer why chromosome 47 appears, which means they cannot find a cure so that this anomaly does not appear.
Down Syndrome. Signs at birth
This disease is determined even in the womb, because from birth, the baby is different from his own kind. In the maternity ward, they will definitely make a preliminary diagnosis and issue referrals for examinations that will confirm or refute the opinion of neonatologists. So, here are the main signs by which the syndrome is determined:
- slanted eyes: because of this, the disease was previously called Mongolism;
- flat face and small head;
- protruding tongue due to small mouth;
- short limbs and fingers, on the hands the little fingers are bent inward;
- skin fold on the neck and flat back of the head;
- brachycephaly;
- plane of the bridge of the nose;
- too mobile joints and muscle frigidity;
- presence of epicanthus (or epicanthus - the so-called "Mongolian fold").
These and other abnormalities indicate that the child has Down syndrome. Photos of such babies (oddly enough) often cause emotion even taking into account their anomalies.
Down Syndrome. Signs that appear during the growth of the baby
In the process of growing up, a small patient may have other factors indicating the disease:
- short neck;
- transverse folds form on the palms;
- violated tooth structure and growth;
- sternal deformity;
- shortened nose.
In addition, there are also disorders in the work of various organs or their diseases. For example, heart disease, hearing problems and epilepsy attacks, interruptions in the endocrine system.
What can be done?
Down syndrome, the symptoms of which are described above, is not treated. That is, in medicine there is still no such remedy that would completely eliminate all manifestations of the disease. After visiting the doctor, the necessary funds will be prescribed that will support the baby and his he alth at the proper level, but you should not expect any miracle from them. Here's what to do:
- regularly visit the hospital and specialists who will not only monitor the patient's condition, but also help develop programs that allow the baby to quickly adapt to the world around him;
- constantly engage with the child: outdoor games, singing, talking, exercises or gymnastics, massages, training programs - all this should be aimed at the development of the crumbs;
- after the little person starts to speak, even in syllables, you can slowly teach him to crawl and walk, recognize objects. Be sure to show him other children, teach him to communicate. Gradually, you need to teach the crumbs to eat on their own and ask to go to the toilet. Actually, all this is done with ordinary children, however, patients with Down syndrome do it a little slower, they need more attention and time to remember.
Conclusion
The more time the parents devote to the child, the more likely it is that after 3-4 years it will be possible to send him to the garden; what option it will be (a special institution or a regular one) is up to the parents to decide. After a successful completion of preschool, some children can go to school, and after the 9th or 11th grade, sometimes they are even able to get a secondary specialized education and get a job. That is, a child, having matured, will be able to get a job, be in a team and support himself, and this is already a grandiose step forward, not even a step, but a huge leap! And all this thanks to the perseverance and love of parents.
Children with Down syndrome (the signs of which we alreadyknown), have the full right to a full life. Practice has shown that such children can become wonderful companions, they are very friendly and affectionate. As for education, they are capable and quite trainable, distinguished by attentiveness. Perhaps the kids do not always know or understand something, but often such people are gifted, have a penchant for art. Do not limit them, children should develop and expand their horizons.
