Sometimes hearing problems are caused by fluid build-up in the ears. Almost half of children with Down syndrome are born with congenital heart defects. Efforts such as early childhood intervention, screening for common problems, medical treatment where indicated, a good family environment, and work-related training can improve the development of children with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is a lifelong condition. Down syndrome is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability, affecting approximately 1 in every 700 children. It is named for John Langdon Down, the British physician who first recognized the traits of Down syndrome in 1866. Your child may also have other less common issues that need treatment, such as: KidsHealth: “Down Syndrome” and “What’s an IEP?”, Mayo Clinic: “Down Syndrome” and “Obstructive Sleep Apnea.”, Center for Parent Information and Resources: “Overview of Early Intervention.”, Down Syndrome Education International: "Health and Medical Issues.". In this case, your doctor may suggest surgery to remove them. Down Syndrome Treatment Options. Your providers may help you develop a care team for your family member with Down syndrome. It’s important to keep up with ear and eye exams, because problems seeing and hearing can lead to delays in learning and talking. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Occupational therapy involves activities in the approaches like neurodevelopmental therapy, sensory integration, and behavior therapy. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |. Primary care providers to monitor growth, development, medical concerns and provide vaccinations. Down syndrome is caused by a person having three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two copies. Babies with congenital heart conditions are treated by pediatric cardiologists, doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating heart problems. Heart problems. But doctors do know that the earlier children get care, the more likely they are to live up to their full potential. Your child will have regular check-ups with an eye doctor and may need glasses, surgery, or other treatment. In that case, ear tubes -- which many children get if they have constant ear infections--can help. Leukemia is curable. Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter. Children with Down syndrome may benefit from speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Every person with Down syndrome has an extra amount of this chromosome in some or all of their cells. Physical therapy treatment focuses on gross motor development. Some health problems are more common in kids with Down syndrome. There’s no specific treatment for Down syndrome. The chance that a baby will be born with Down syndrome increases with a mother’s age: IDEA requires public schools to offer the best education they can, no matter what challenges a person faces. Down syndrome is a lifelong condition and right now there isn’t a cure. Your child may also work with physical, occupational, and speech therapists. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/30/2020. You’ll likely rely on a team of providers, including your child’s main doctor, and maybe specialists like ear doctors, heart doctors, and others. The purpose is for you and your child with Down syndrome to learn to cope with the condition, as well as treat what physical and cognitive (thinking) challenges arise. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. These can often be managed by medications or other care. OT provides early intervention services to the infant and toddlers having down syndrome. Congenital heart defects: Know the main risk factors. Physical therapists to help strengthen their muscles and improve motor skills. Some babies with Down syndrome get Hirschsprung’s disease, where part of the intestine gets blocked. This extra genetic material causes the developmental changes and physical features of Down syndrome.Down syndrome varies in severity among individuals, causing lifelong intellectual disability and developmental delays. Heart problems, frequently present at birth. Low fertility rate in males with the syndrome. Down syndrome is a genetic disorder and a common chromosome abnormality in humans, in which an embryo contains extra genetic material from chromosome 21. Therapy can help them to develop tone and strength of the muscles, and also teaches how to move their bodies in a proper way, which helps them in their day-to-day functioning. 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