Service

Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that affects the development of physical structures, motor functioning, cognitive abilities, and communicative abilities in varying degrees. The degree and type of speech and language impairment in a child with Down syndrome varies from child to child.

Service Overview

This is a specialized treatment program for children between the ages of 15 months and six years. Children who are treated in this unique early intervention program obtain maximum stimulation at a critical time during development to optimize their speech and language abilities.

The program includes:

• Individual treatment sessions that focus on intensive speech and language stimulation.
• Group treatment sessions that focus upon beginning socialization skills, as well as carry-over of language skills within a group setting.

• Play-oriented treatment sessions to provide "hands-on" experiences while emphasizing imitation of speech.
• Direct parent training with the observation of treatment sessions to enable the learning of stimulation techniques for use within the home.

The three genetic variations include

Trisomy 21–More than Ninety percent of Down syndrome cases are caused by trisomy 21. An extra chromosome originates in the development of either the sperm or the egg. When the egg and the sperm unite to form the fertilized egg, 3 chromosomes of 21 are present. As the parts of the cell, the extra chromosome is repeated in every cell.

Mosaic Trisomy 21 – This is a rare form of Down syndrome treatment. While similar to simple trisomy twenty-one, the difference is that the extra chromosome 21 is present in some, but not all cells of the individual. This type of Down syndrome is caused by unusual cell division after fertilization.

Translocation Trisomy Twenty-One: -Sometimes, part of chromosome 21 becomes attached to another chromosome before or at conception. The carrier will have 45 chromosomes instead of forty-six, but a person with forty-six chromosomes will have all the genetic material. This is because the other chromosome twenty-one material is located on a different chromosome.

The carrier is going to have the extra material, but only one twenty-one chromosome. No symptoms of Down syndrome will be shown by a carrier because they have the correct amount of genetic material.

There may be an increased likelihood of Down syndrome in future pregnancies of parents who have one child with Down syndrome due to Twenty-one translocation trisomy because one of the parents can be a stable carrier of the translocation. The chance of passing the translocation depends on the sex of the parent who carries the rearranged chromosome Twenty-one. If the father is the carrier, the risk is about three percent, with the mother as the carrier, the risk is about twelve percent, but especially in cases with translocation trisomy Twenty-one, it's essential for the parents to have inherited counseling to determine their risk. There are no known environmental or behavioral causes of Down syndrome.

Children with Down syndrome                                                                                       

Occupational therapists help children to participate in their everyday lives and activities to the best of their ability. Child’s occupations are meaningful, daily activities that they need or want to do, including play and learning, exploration of their environment, self-care, and school work.

Children who have a diagnosis of Down syndrome experience some delay in all aspects of their development physical, language, play, social, and emotional. They have many physical features, such as low muscle tone, which may impact on their development, and acquisition of skills. Occupational therapy may support your children in these areas.

What are the symptoms of Down syndrome?

CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME DISPLAY CERTAIN PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS SUCH AS:  

• LITTLE NECK WHICH ALSO APPEARS RATHER FLAT WITH EXCESS SKIN.
• EYES SLANT UPWARDS A BIT AND ARE ALMOND SHAPED
• THE OUTER PART OF THE IRIS IN THE EYES MIGHT HAVE LIGHT SPOTS THAT ARE CALLED BRUSHFIELD SPOTS.
• BRIDGE OF THE NOSE IS SMALL WHICH GIVES THE IMPRESSION OF A BUTTON AND BROAD NOSE
• FLATTENED FACIAL PROFILE
• SHORT AND CHUBBY FINGERS
• SHORT HANDS
• POOR AND LOW MUSCLE TONE WHICH AFFECTS ALL THE MUSCLES IN THE BODY

THE COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIOURAL SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:

• PROBLEMS WITH THINKING.
• LOW ATTENTION SPAN.
• POOR DECISION MAKING.
• IMPULSIVE BEHAVIOR.
• SLOW LEARNING.
• DELAYED LANGUAGE AND SPEECH DEVELOPMENT
  

Treatments for Down syndrome

Down syndrome treatment varies from individual to individual. These treatments typically start in early childhood and aim to support children’s productive and fulfilling lives. Our physician will assist you in developing an appropriate care team for a patient with Down syndrome.

The care team may include:

Our physician to monitor growth & development, medical concerns and provide vaccinations

Medical subspecialists depending on the needs of the patient

• Speech therapy to improve the ability to communicate
• Physical therapy to support strong muscles and improve motor skills
• Occupational therapy to help in refining motor skills and make daily tasks easier
• Behavioral therapy to manage the emotional challenges