Caring for children with Down syndrome

Today, March 21, is the 14th World Down Syndrome Day. What is Down syndrome? How can we diagnose it? Is this preventable or curable? How can we manage it? We should know all the answers so that we can take proper care of them. Only then we can turn these children with special needs into human resources.
Down syndrome is a genetic condition due to having an extra chromosome in the 21st pair out of 23 pairs of chromosomes in our body. This extra chromosome causes delay in mental, cognitive, speech and language development in children with Down syndrome. As this extra chromosome is very polite in character, most of the children with Down syndrome are gentle and loving in nature.
It is easy to diagnose a Down syndrome baby at birth because they have a typical facial features such as broad forehead, flat face, deep nose bridge, prominent cheek, single cridge in palm of hand, etc. Diagnosis can be confirmed by doing chromosomal analysis. Although Down syndrome is neither preventable nor curable, it is manageable if early intervention is undertaken .
Sign-symptoms of Down syndrome include delayed speech and language development, low IQ level, cognitive deficiency and decreased muscle tone etc. Autism spectrum disorder, hearing impairment, low vision, congenital heart disease, repeated infection due to weak immune system may be associated with Down syndrome. On the other hand, loving and caring social interaction, understanding others, imitation and reading ability are the strength of children with Down syndrome through which we can overcome their weaknesses.
Down syndrome can easily be diagnosed from birth which makes it possible to give them appropriate management such as medical or surgical intervention in case of physical problems, regular speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, psychotherapy can be given if needed. Special schooling in particular inclusive education system helps a lot to improve the symptoms because they love to interact with people.
Down syndrome is not a disease, it is rather a genetic condition that can be easily managed if parents are careful and positive about the special needs children. If parents know about the diagnosis and management of Down syndrome properly, they can help such children become independent and successful in their life.

Dr. Sonia Sultana, MBBS, MS in SLP is Adjunct Faculty, Department of Communication Disorders, University of Dhaka
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