Hanah International Foundation

The cause of Down syndrome is a different cell division:

• Not inherited  is the trisomy 21: the moment the egg is furtilized the first cell (zygote) develops three copies of the 21st chromosome instead of 2,
• Sometimes genetic, sometimes spontaniously the 21st chromosome has 2 copies but one chromosome type 21 is attached to another pair of chromosomes (translocation-trisomy)
• During the cell devison develops the Mosaic Down Syndrome: two different groups of cells in one individual. One or more group of cells (like cells that will form the skin, or the the skeleton) contains the 46 chromosome and the other groups of cells contains an extra copy of the chromosome type 21, making 47  total for this group.

The main difference is that the translocation and mosaic types do not develop all characteristics of the classic Down syndrome and therefore sometimes are more difficult to diagnose. For the medical and educational aspect all medical and educational recommendations are the same.

The Down Syndrome (DS), is characterized by a number of symptoms:

• a very mild to severe intellectual disability,
• a delayed development,
• an increased risk of some congenital and acquired malformations of various organs
• a faster aging.

The medical knowledge and capabilities are increased and result in a much better surviving.
Introduction of special educational methods in general education and better awareness contributes also to a better development.
All care and treatments that other children are also given: glasses, hearing aids or conducting operations also are valuable for children with DS. Large differences in individual possibilities of individual children make it important that we consider the individual child and not stuck preconceived ideas.

Like any other child, a child with Down syndrome develops a variety of skills.  With good education and encouragement children with Down syndrome can learn much more than generally is thought.  The keyword should be “early intervention”. The integration of children with Down Syndrome in mainstream education gives unexpected chances. More and more good information is available about the educational needs of children with Down syndrome.
Suitable jobs, both in the sheltered atmosphere and in the free business, could really improve the individual and social development of people with Down Syndrome.

How to cope with a child with special needs?

They need extra attention with regard to basic life challenges and schoolwork and which non-special need children may not face as readily. Parents with special need children can keep in mind those three principles±

• Get support from family and friends
  • Family members and friends are often a great source of support and comfort when a parent of a special need child is encountering difficult and trying times. But try not to expect too much; they may not truly understand what you are going through.
• Join a support group
  • Getting together with other parents in similar situations makes a world of difference. They can discuss topics surrounding their children or simply be there for one another when help is needed.
• Take time out for yourself
  • Parents of special need children should remember that they too need to care for themselves and have a little time alone will benefit both parent and child. Find time for yourselves. It will give a much needed break to relax and wind down for a while; a more relaxed parent will benefit the child in the end

Signs and symptoms of Down syndrome.

People with Down syndrome may have some physical and mental features in common but symptoms can range from mild to severe.  Most people with Down syndrome have IQ O modalitate de a exprima nivelul de inteligenţă al unei persoane în urma efectuării unui test de inteligenţă, unde 100 reprezintă scorul mediu. Un scor IQ reprezintă raportul dintre vârsta mentală a unei persoane şi vârsta cronologică a persoanei respective înmulţit cu 100. ’s that fall in the mild to moderate range of mental retardation. Mental and physical development is slower. It causes limits on intellectual abilities and adaptive behaviours (conceptual, social, and practical skills people use to function in everyday lives).  They may have delayed language development and slow motor development.

• Some common physical signs of Down syndrome include:
  • Flat face with an upward slant to the eye, short neck, and abnormally shaped ears
  • Deep crease in the palm of the hand
  • White spots on the iris of the eye
  • Poor muscle tone, loose ligaments
  • Small hands and feet
• There is a variety of other health conditions that are often seen in people who have Down syndrome, including:
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Hearing problems
  • Intestinal problems, such as blocked esophagus
  • Digestion problems
  • Eye problems, such as cataracts
  • Thyroid dysfunctions
  • Skeletal problems
  • Dementia—similar to Alzheimer’s