Tips for Handling Kids with Down’s Syndrome

Down's syndrome as most of know is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in extra genetic material from chromosome 21 (also known as Trisomy 21). It is a genetic anomaly causing developmental and intellectual delays right from birth of a newborn & progresses over the years as child grows up.

Tips for Handling Down’s syndrome kids: -

There are numerous DOWN’s SYNDROME organizations actively working pan-India & globally for the benefits of such kids. Parents & Caregivers can always visit their website/offices & register themselves for regular information / exercises / medical aid info. & activities to make the quality of Life better for all our such children.

How can we help our kids? -

We should look for the creative aspect (like artwork, music, Handicraft etc.)  of each kid & try to enhance & encourage them on working on it & later on pursue it as a profession.

• Praise them when they learn something new, that will give immense confidence to them.
• Demonstrate them how to do something instead of just giving instructions – this can be easier to follow & try ways to help them communicate.
• Look out for changes in mood or behavior – they may not be able to tell you if something's wrong or they're unwell.
• Speak clearly and calmly so they can learn from you & understand things better.
• Play, sing songs and read books together to help with sounds and words clarity.
• Try to set routines so they feel more settled – like setting an alarm for morning awakening and at mealtimes.
• Encourage them to have healthy habits like hand-wash, maintain oral hygiene and staying active.
• Take them to medical centers for regular hearing, eyesight and health checks.

A full squad of healthcare providers are involved in handling such affected kids viz.

Pediatrician:

Is the first person who diagnoses based on the clinical signs /symptoms right at the birth of a neonate & provides primary medical care for infants, children and teenagers on regular follow-ups in OPDs

Occupational Therapist:

Improves daily living and work skills of patients.

Physiotherapist:

Helps in restoring muscle strength and function through regular exercises 

Medical Geneticist:

Diagnoses with Karyotyping screen and manages hereditary disorders running in the family pedigree.

Dentist:

Specializes in diseases of the oral cavity, hygiene, especially the dental caries

Speech therapist:

is involved with children suffering from speech and language problems.

Pediatric Ophthalmologist:

Treats eye disorders in children.

Fetal Medicine Specialist:

Focuses on the medical management of high-risk pregnancies.

Pediatric Cardiologist:

Treats children suffering from heart disorders.

Support with education: -

Lots of children with minor signs of Down's syndrome go to mainstream schools.

There are also special schools and colleges for children and young people who might need more help like -            

               •  Extra support from a teacher or assistant

               •  Help taking part in lessons

               •  Support with things like eating and getting around school

What new parents should understand:

Children with Down's syndrome will have some level of learning disability– it's not possible to know how this will affect them in future. So, they can’t compare & expect their kid to perform scholastically at same level like other normal children. 

Also, like any child they'll:

                • Learn at their own pace 

                • Have their own personality

                • Have things that are important and unique to them

So, let’s help them for a better tomorrow in a healthy social environment.