Having a child with Down Syndrome can be overwhelming, but be assured their is help and support for you and your child with Downs Syndrome. It is recommended that you enroll your child with Down Syndrome with early intervention services as soon as possible,physical, occupational, and speech therapist and early-childhood educators so they can work with and encourage your child and accelerate development.Most states provide free early intervention for kids with disabilities from birth to age 3,it is advised that you check with your doctor or social worker to learn what resources are available in your area.
When your child reaches age three, he or she is guaranteed educational services under the individual with Disabilities Education Act(IDEA). Under the IDEA, local school districts have to provide a free appropriate education in the least restrictive enviroment,and an individulized plan(IEP)for your child.
Deciding where your child goes to school can be challenging. Some kids with Downs Syndrome have needs taht are best met in spcialized programs,while other kids with Downs Syndrome do well attending schools alongside peers who dont have Down Syndrome,this is known as inclusion,as is said to be both benifical to the child with Down Syndrome as well as the child that does not have Downs Syndrome.
Your school district's child study team should work with you to determine what's best for your child, but any decisions made shoul have your input,as you are your childs best advocate.Many kids with Downs Syndrome go to school and enjoy most of the activites as other kids their age.Few go on to college, and many transition into semi-independent living.While others continue to live at home but are able to hold jobs, finding their own success in the community. If your baby has DownSyndrome , their is no need to be afraid for the future,their is resource and support for your child right into adulthood ensuring quality of life,embracing your child for his or her own unique qualites,and not his disabities. It is veery important not to have limited expectations for your child with Downs Syndrome and to give him or she as many opportunities as possible.Let your child show what he/she is capable of. My advise to you is that you do your own research.
Resources for presnt and previous posts belows;
http//dowmssyndrome.about.com
http//www.bing.com/health/article/mayo
http//kidshealth.org/parent/medical/genetic/down-syndrome
http://www.ehow.com/list_6296122_signs-down-syndrome-during-pregnancy.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Screening for Down Syndrome.
There is no prevention for Downs Syndrome, but there are signs when pregnant to determine if the baby has Down Syndrome.There are two types of test used to detect Down Syndrome in a fetus they are screening test and diagnostic tests.Screening tests estimates the risk of a fetus having Down Syndrome. Diagnostic tests can tell wether the fetus actually has the condition.
Screening test are cost effective and easy to perform. But because they can't give a definte answer if the baby has Downs Syndrome,the test are used to help parents decide if need to have more diagnostic tests.
Diagnostic test are about 99% accurate in detecting Down Syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalaties,However because they are performed inside of the uterus, they are assosiated with a risk of miscarriage and other complications.For this reason invasive dianostic screening was previously generally recomended for women age 35 or older,family with history of genetics defects, or those who had an abnormal result on a screening test.
However,the american College of Obsterics and Gynecology now recommends that all women be offered screemning with invasive diagnostic testing for Down Syndrome,regardless of age.
Screening tests include;
Nuchal translucency testing.This test is performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy, uses altrosound to mmeasure the clearspace in the folds of tissue behind a developing baby's neck.(Babies eith Down Syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalaties tend to accumulate fluid thetre, making the space appear larger.) This measurment, taken together withthe mother,s age and baby's gestational age,can be used to calculate the odds that the baby has Down Syndrome.Nuchal translucency testing is usually performed along witha maternol blood test.
Tripple screen or quadruple screen (also called the multiple marker test). These tests measure the quantities of normal substances in the mother's blood.As the manes imply, triple screen tests for three markers and quadruple screen includes one addittional marker and is more accurate.These test are typically offered between 15 and 18 weeks of prgnancy.
Integrated screen. This uses results from first trimester screening teste(with or without nuchal transluccency)and blood tests with second trimester quad screen to come up with the most accurate screening results.
A genetic ultrasound. A detailed ultra sound is often performed at 18 to 20 weeks in conjiction with the blood test,and it checks the fetus for some of the physical traits abnormalities assosiated with Down Syndrome.
Diagnostic Tests include.
Chrorionic villus ampling(CVS).CVS involves taking a tiny sample of placenta, either through the cervix or through a neddle inserted in the abdomen. The advantage of this test is that it can be performed during the first trimester,between 8 and 12 weeks.The disadvantage is that it carries a slightly risk of miscarriage as compared with aminocentesis and has other complications.
Amenocentesis.This test,performed betwen 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy,involves the removal of a small amount of amniotic fluid through a needle inserted in the abdomen. The cells can then be analyzed for the presence of chromosomal abnormalaties.Aminocentesis carries a small risk of complications,such as preterm labor and miscarriage.
Percutaneous umbical blood sampling(PUBS). Usually performed after 20 weeks, this test uses a needle to retreive a small sample of blood from the umbical cord.It caries risk siliar to those assosiated with aminocentesis.
Realizing that your child is diagnosed with Down Syndrome can be ovewhelmimg and fear of facing the future.Talking to other parents with children with Down Syndrome can can help deal with the initial fear and shock.
Screening test are cost effective and easy to perform. But because they can't give a definte answer if the baby has Downs Syndrome,the test are used to help parents decide if need to have more diagnostic tests.
Diagnostic test are about 99% accurate in detecting Down Syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalaties,However because they are performed inside of the uterus, they are assosiated with a risk of miscarriage and other complications.For this reason invasive dianostic screening was previously generally recomended for women age 35 or older,family with history of genetics defects, or those who had an abnormal result on a screening test.
However,the american College of Obsterics and Gynecology now recommends that all women be offered screemning with invasive diagnostic testing for Down Syndrome,regardless of age.
Screening tests include;
Nuchal translucency testing.This test is performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy, uses altrosound to mmeasure the clearspace in the folds of tissue behind a developing baby's neck.(Babies eith Down Syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalaties tend to accumulate fluid thetre, making the space appear larger.) This measurment, taken together withthe mother,s age and baby's gestational age,can be used to calculate the odds that the baby has Down Syndrome.Nuchal translucency testing is usually performed along witha maternol blood test.
Tripple screen or quadruple screen (also called the multiple marker test). These tests measure the quantities of normal substances in the mother's blood.As the manes imply, triple screen tests for three markers and quadruple screen includes one addittional marker and is more accurate.These test are typically offered between 15 and 18 weeks of prgnancy.
Integrated screen. This uses results from first trimester screening teste(with or without nuchal transluccency)and blood tests with second trimester quad screen to come up with the most accurate screening results.
A genetic ultrasound. A detailed ultra sound is often performed at 18 to 20 weeks in conjiction with the blood test,and it checks the fetus for some of the physical traits abnormalities assosiated with Down Syndrome.
Diagnostic Tests include.
Chrorionic villus ampling(CVS).CVS involves taking a tiny sample of placenta, either through the cervix or through a neddle inserted in the abdomen. The advantage of this test is that it can be performed during the first trimester,between 8 and 12 weeks.The disadvantage is that it carries a slightly risk of miscarriage as compared with aminocentesis and has other complications.
Amenocentesis.This test,performed betwen 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy,involves the removal of a small amount of amniotic fluid through a needle inserted in the abdomen. The cells can then be analyzed for the presence of chromosomal abnormalaties.Aminocentesis carries a small risk of complications,such as preterm labor and miscarriage.
Percutaneous umbical blood sampling(PUBS). Usually performed after 20 weeks, this test uses a needle to retreive a small sample of blood from the umbical cord.It caries risk siliar to those assosiated with aminocentesis.
Realizing that your child is diagnosed with Down Syndrome can be ovewhelmimg and fear of facing the future.Talking to other parents with children with Down Syndrome can can help deal with the initial fear and shock.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Birth defects assosiated with Downs Syndrome.
Individuals with Down syndrome tend to have a variety of health issues when they are born and require extra care. On the other hand some individuals with Down syndrome have no major health problems.
Some of the medical complication associated with Down syndrome are;Heart defects,Pulmonary hypertension, Hearing loss,vi son loss,Leukemia,Infectious diseases, Dementia,Sleep apnea and Obesity.
Nearly half of individuals with Down syndrome are born with congenital heart defect, which can be life threatening,and will require surgery early in life.
Individuals with Down syndrome are at a greater risk of developing pulmonary hypertension,it is a serious condition and can lead to irreversible damage to the lungs,all individuals born with Down syndrome should be evaluated by a pediatrics cardiologist.
About half of the individuals with Downs syndrome experience hearing loss,due to fluid build up in the inner ear or structural problem of the ear,it is necessary to be evaluated by an audiologist on a regular basis in order to detect and correct any problem so not to interfere with language and learning skills.
Vision loss affect nearly half of individuals with Downs syndrome, vison problem often associated with vision loss is amblyopia(lazy eye), near /farsightedness and cataracts, individuals should consult with an ophthalmologist to recognize and correct any defects.
Individuals with Downs syndrome are more likely to develop Leukemia at a young age than other individuals without Down syndrome.
Individuals with Down syndrome are are at a greater risk for infectious disease such as pneumonia., due to abnormalities in their immune system.
By or before the age of 40 individuals with Down syndrome has a greater chance of showing signs of dementia.
Downs syndrome individuals tend to have a greater risk of obstructive sleep apnea, due to soft tissue and skeletal alterations that causes obstruction of the airway.
Individuals with Down syndrome are more prone to be obese than the general population.
All of the above may seem overwhelming but with a support team in place can take the pressure of care giver, and individual can lead a life enhanced.
Some of the medical complication associated with Down syndrome are;Heart defects,Pulmonary hypertension, Hearing loss,vi son loss,Leukemia,Infectious diseases, Dementia,Sleep apnea and Obesity.
Nearly half of individuals with Down syndrome are born with congenital heart defect, which can be life threatening,and will require surgery early in life.
Individuals with Down syndrome are at a greater risk of developing pulmonary hypertension,it is a serious condition and can lead to irreversible damage to the lungs,all individuals born with Down syndrome should be evaluated by a pediatrics cardiologist.
About half of the individuals with Downs syndrome experience hearing loss,due to fluid build up in the inner ear or structural problem of the ear,it is necessary to be evaluated by an audiologist on a regular basis in order to detect and correct any problem so not to interfere with language and learning skills.
Vision loss affect nearly half of individuals with Downs syndrome, vison problem often associated with vision loss is amblyopia(lazy eye), near /farsightedness and cataracts, individuals should consult with an ophthalmologist to recognize and correct any defects.
Individuals with Downs syndrome are more likely to develop Leukemia at a young age than other individuals without Down syndrome.
Individuals with Down syndrome are are at a greater risk for infectious disease such as pneumonia., due to abnormalities in their immune system.
By or before the age of 40 individuals with Down syndrome has a greater chance of showing signs of dementia.
Downs syndrome individuals tend to have a greater risk of obstructive sleep apnea, due to soft tissue and skeletal alterations that causes obstruction of the airway.
Individuals with Down syndrome are more prone to be obese than the general population.
All of the above may seem overwhelming but with a support team in place can take the pressure of care giver, and individual can lead a life enhanced.
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