Live Life Team
Treatment for Down Syndrome
No known cure is available for Down’s Syndrome, however there are many treatments which help in making their life more independent, active and healthy.
When one comes to know that the child has the condition of Down’s Syndrome, a whole lot of feeling of sadness, fear or confusion is experienced. Sometimes total numbness to the situation or feeling of protectiveness for the child is developed. The best way is to find more information about the situation which has been seen is quite reassuring to some of the parents, further it will provide more clarity on how it will affect the life of the child and the parents.
First of all one should remember that one is not alone, there are thousands of people in UK who have Down’s Syndrome. Also many families, friends and cares including Syndrome Association website are there who can be approached and who have gone through the same experience of caring and supporting those with this condition. One can also talk to their doctor who can help in getting in touch with such groups
Early intervention for necessary support and help is very important as it tremendously increases the degree of independence and healthy life in later years of life.
Supporting Teams
Physiotherapists help by improving and increasing the range of movements of someone with Down’s Syndrome which should be provided immediately like physiotherapists help babies in rolling over movements, or sitting or walking movements.
Speech therapist help children learn how to speak and effectively communicate with others.
Occupational Therapists provide practical help to make lives become independent and teach social skills.
Dietician helps plan their diet as Down’s Syndrome people have difficulties controlling their body weight.
General Physician will help with general day to day health problems.
Social workers will help in providing accommodation or help in providing financial benefits.
Audiologist will provide help in overcoming hearing problems if any faced by Down Syndrome persons
Ophthalmologist will help with overcoming any problems relating to the eyes like cataract or eye infection. Orthoptists along with Ophthalmologist help treat eye problems associated with movements and focus of the eyes.
Pediatrician specializes in child treatment and he can co-ordinate all the other treatments being carried out with the child
Cardiologist will deal with any heart problems of persons with Down’s Syndrome as they are at an increased risk of developing heart problems
It is very important for Down’s Syndrome children and adults to have regular health check ups to detect and treat the health problems as early as possible as they have high risk of developing problems related to their health.
It is also possible that with the help and support Down’s Syndrome people can have an active and independent life. Such Children can also join the mainstream school, however if the Down’s syndrome is quite severe in a child or the parents otherwise feel there are specialist school for children with these conditions where their special needs are taken care
Similarly many adults with such condition also go for higher studies and also take up part-time employments, although this highly depends upon the condition of the individual.
Both women and Men with this condition are likely to have a low rate of fertility. Which makes it comparatively more difficult to have children, and if they do decide, then they will generally require specialist support and guidance, to cope with the mental and physical demands of a newborn child.
Children of such parents where one of them has the condition of Down’s syndrome, have likely hood of 35-50% of inheriting this condition which increases further if both parents have this condition. Similarly premature birth and miscarriage is also much higher in women with Down’s syndrome.
Persons with Down’s syndrome cannot have completely independent life, however many can live life on their own, or along with another person. They usually stay in accommodations run by housing association. People there provide support at different levels, which depends on the needs of the particular individual.
