What You Need to Know About Down syndrome and a New Potential Therapy for it

Not all children with Down syndrome have the same symptoms or the same level of disability. They will have their own levels of development and development pace. Here are some symptoms of the condition:

Flat face and back of the head

Underweight

Protruded tongue and small ears, neck and mouth

Swallowing difficulties

Slanting, almond-shaped eyes

Cognitive impairment including learning difficulties, short attention span, delayed speech development and mental retardation

Down syndrome diagnosis

Down syndrome can be screened for and diagnosed either during pregnancy or after the birth of the child. Screening during pregnancy tells the mother if her child is likely to develop the condition but it does not confirm the diagnosis.

Tests like amniocentesis (done between week 15-20 of pregnancy) and chronic villus sampling (done between week 11-14 of pregnancy) provide more comprehensive results.

Treatment of Down syndrome

Since it is a genetic condition, Down syndrome has no cure yet. Children need therapy and medication as per their level and type of disability. For example, a speech therapist may be needed to help improve communication skills, special diet and antacids may be required for those with associated digestive issues. Those with learning difficulties need special education programmes while surgery may be needed for those born with a heart defect.

Those with Down syndrome can live a fairly normal life when given the right treatment and family support.

For more information, read our article on Down syndrome.

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