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 laid down 46. Such children are born regardless of their parents' social status or skin color. Scientists cannot answer exactly why the 47th chromosome appears, which means they cannot find a cure for this anomaly to not appear.
Down Syndrome. Signs of birth
This disease is determined even in the womb, because from birth the baby is different from its own kind. In the maternity ward, they will make a preliminary diagnosis and issue directions for examinations that will confirm or refute the opinion of neonatologists. So, here are the main signs that determine the syndrome:
- slanting eyes: because of this, earlier the disease was called Mongolism;
- flat face and small head;
- tongue sticking out due to a small oral cavity;
- short limbs and fingers, little fingers on the arms bent inward;
- skin fold on the neck and flat nape ;
- brachycephaly;
- nose bridge plane;
- joints that are too mobile and muscle frigidity;
- the presence of an epicant (or epicanthus - the so-called "Mongolian fold").
These and other abnormalities indicate that the child has Down syndrome. A photo of such babies (oddly enough) often causes emotion, even taking into account their anomaly.
Down Syndrome. Signs that appear during the growth of the baby
In the process of growing up in a small patient, other factors indicating the disease may appear:
- short neck;
- transverse folds form on the palms;
- the structure of teeth and their growth are disturbed;
- sternum deformity;
- short nose.
In addition, there are also violations 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 tool 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 health at the proper level, but no miracle should be expected from them. Here's what you need to do:
- regularly visit the hospital and specialists who will not only monitor the patient’s condition, but also help in developing programs that allow the baby to quickly adapt to the outside world;
- constantly deal with the child: outdoor games, singing, talking, exercises or gymnastics, massages, training programs - all this should be aimed at developing crumbs;
- after the little man begins to speak, even in syllables, you can slowly teach him to crawl and walk, to recognize objects. Be sure to show him other children, teach him to communicate. Gradually, you need to teach the baby 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 parents devote time to the child, the greater the likelihood that after 3-4 years there will be an opportunity to give him to the garden; what option it will be (a special institution or an ordinary one) is up to the parents to decide. After the successful completion of the preschool, some children can go to school, and after the 9th or 11th grade they are sometimes 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 a huge 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 are already known to us) have every right to a full life. Practice has shown that such children can become wonderful comrades, they are very friendly and affectionate. As for education, they are capable and fully trained, they are distinguished by attention. Perhaps the kids do not always know how 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.