The first indication a child might have Down syndrome can appear during routine prenatal testing. In a maternal blood test called the quadruple screen, elevated levels of certain substances can be a red flag for Down syndrome but do not mean a baby definitely has the disorder. On an ultrasound an image of a developing fetus, also called a sonogram , visible signs a baby may have Down syndrome include:.
These signs prompt health providers to recommend an amniocentesis or chorionic villi sampling CVS , both prenatal tests that examine cells taken from the amniotic fluid or the placenta, respectively and that can confirm a diagnosis of Down syndrome. Some parents opt for these tests, while others do not. People with Down syndrome share a host of recognizable facial and physical features. These are most apparent at birth and can become more pronounced with time. Get our printable guide for your next doctor's appointment to help you ask the right questions.
All people with Down syndrome have some degree of intellectual disability or developmental delay, which means they tend to learn slowly and may struggle with complex reasoning and judgment. There's a common misconception that children with Down syndrome have predetermined limits in their ability to learn, but this is entirely false. It's impossible to predict the degree to which a baby born with Down syndrome will be intellectually disadvantaged.
What is certain is that people with Down syndrome have the potential to learn throughout their lifetimes and that their potential can be maximized through early intervention , good education, high expectations, and encouragement from family, caregivers, and teachers. Children with Down syndrome can and do learn, and are capable of developing skills throughout their lives. They simply reach goals at a different pace.
People with Down syndrome often are regarded as particularly happy, sociable, and outgoing. While in general, this may be true, it's important to not stereotype them, even when it comes to labeling them with such positive characteristics. People who have Down syndrome experience a full range of emotions and have their own characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and styles—just like anyone else.
There are some behaviors associated with Down syndrome that are largely due to the unique challenges the condition presents. For example, most people with Down syndrome tend to need order and routine when dealing with the complexities of daily life.
They thrive on routine and will often insist on sameness. This can be interpreted as innate stubbornness, but that's rarely what's going on. Another behavior often seen in people with Down syndrome is self-talk—something everyone does sometimes.
It's thought that people with Down syndrome frequently use self-talk as a way of processing information and thinking things through. As you can see, it's hard to separate out some of the signs of Down syndrome from its potential complications. Keep in mind, though, that while many of the above issues pose undeniable concern, others simply chart a course for an individual that is out of "the norm.
That said, people with Down syndrome are more likely than otherwise healthy people to have certain physical and mental health issues. Care throughout one's life can be complicated by these additional concerns.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 75 percent of children with Down syndrome will have some form of hearing loss. In many cases, this may be because of abnormalities in the bones of the inner ear. It's important to detect hearing problems as early as possible, since being unable to hear well can be a factor in speech and language delays. Children with Down syndrome are also at an increased risk of ear infections.
Chronic ear infections can contribute to hearing loss. As many as 60 percent of children with Down syndrome will have some type of vision problem, such as nearsightedness , farsightedness , crossed eyes , cataracts, or blocked tear ducts , according to the CDC. Half will need to wear glasses. The National Institutes of Health NIH states, "Down syndrome often causes problems in the immune system that can make it difficult for the body to fight off infections.
The condition is particularly common in Down syndrome because of physical anomalies such as low muscle tone in the mouth and upper airway, narrow air passages, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, and a relatively large tongue.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lists a number of issues affecting the muscles, bones, and joints of people with Down syndrome. One of the most common is an upper neck abnormality called atlantoaxial instability AAI , in which vertebrae in the neck become misaligned. An abnormally small chin, up slanting palpebral eye fissures on the inner corner of the eyes, and corners of the mouth are turned down.
They have a flat nasal bridge and a protruding tongue. Their face is flat and broad, and they have a short neck. A person suffering from Down Syndrome, however, does not have to have every single one of these features.
You have probably seen people who have Down syndrome. They have certain physical features, such as a flatter face and upward slanting eyes. They are usually smaller than most kids their age. Down syndrome is something a person is born with it. Doctors aren't sure why this chromosome problem happens to some babies.
It's nothing the mom or dad did before the child was born. Anyone can have a baby with Down syndrome. About half of babies with Down syndrome are born with heart defects.
Usually, doctors can fix these kind of heart problems with surgery. But they can't give a definitive answer about whether a baby has Down syndrome. So these tests are used to help parents decide whether to have more diagnostic tests. Diagnostic tests accurately diagnose Down syndrome and other chromosomal problems.
But they're done inside the uterus, so there is a risk of miscarriage and other complications. If you're unsure about which test, if any, is right for you, your doctor or a genetic counselor can help you sort through the pros and cons of each.
If the doctor suspects Down syndrome after a baby is born, a karyotype — a blood or tissue sample stained to show chromosomes grouped by size, number, and shape — can verify the diagnosis. If your child has Down syndrome, you may at first have feelings of loss, guilt, and fear.
Talking with other parents of kids with Down syndrome may help you deal with your concerns and find ways to look toward the future. Many parents find that learning as much as they can about the condition helps ease fears.
Children with Down syndrome benefit from getting early intervention services as soon as possible. Physical therapy , occupational therapy , and speech therapy can help, and early childhood educators can work with your child to encourage and boost development. States provide early intervention services to kids with disabilities from birth to age 3. Check with your doctor, developmental pediatrician, or a social worker to find resources in your area. Under IDEA, local school districts must provide "a free appropriate education in the least restrictive environment" and an individualized education program IEP for each child.
Where to send your child to school can be a hard decision. The needs of some kids with Down syndrome are best met in a specialized program. But many kids with Down syndrome go to school and enjoy the same activities as other kids their age.
Being in a regular classroom known as inclusion , when appropriate, is good for both the child with Down syndrome and the other kids. A few kids with Down syndrome go on to college.
Many transition to semi-independent living.
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