Essay On Down Syndrome

1142 Words3 Pages

Sierra Battaglia
Ms.Green
English 1
February 13,2014

Down Syndrome

It is believed that people with Down Syndrome has been around for a while. In 1959 Professor Jérome Lejeune proved that Down's syndrome is a chromosomal irregularity.Parents in that time were ashamed of their children with disabilities.In 1944 kids with disabilities did not have the right to have an education. Not until 1971 it was recognized that it should be legal for people with learning disabilities to get an education.Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has heightened dramatically in modern decades from 25 in 1983 to 60 today. People with down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as heart disease,brain atrophy and learning disorders.(downs-syndrome association)
Down's syndrome is not a disease and therefore people with Down syndrome do not suffer nor are they victims of their condition.Down Syndrome is a natural disorder coming from a chromosome defect. It is a genetic condition in which a person has 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. Which causes mental impairment and physical deformity.For example short stature , broad facial profile and weak muscle tone.It occurs in approximately one in every 800 live births.It is the most frequently occurring chromosomal disorder. Down syndrome is not related to race, nationality, religion or socioeconomic status.(medline plus)
Children with Down syndrome are normally smaller, and their physical and mental improvements are slower compared to children who are unaffected.Some of the physical features in children have flattening of the back of the head, slanting of the eyelids, small skin folds at the inner corner of the eyes, depressed nasal bridge, slightly smaller ears, smal...

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... in positive ways, particularly during adolescence. Treatments might include going to a behavioral specialist and taking medications.(Eunice kennedy shriver national institute of child health and human development)
There is no specific treatment for down syndrome. A child born with a gastrointestinal blockage may need major surgery immediately after birth. Or a Certain heart defect may require surgery depending on how serious it is. Obesity can be a problem in older kids or adults so they need to keep active but before they do so they have to get their hips and neck examined. Behavioral discipline can help people with Down syndrome and their families deal with the frustration, anger, and compulsive behavior that will occur. Parents should learn to help a person with Down syndrome deal with frustration and anger. Although, it is important to encourage independence.

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