People with Down syndrome can feel angry, sad, embarrassed or excited . In fact, rather than always being happy, people with Down syndrome are at higher risk of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviour than the general population.
Is Down syndrome hard to live with?
It’s exciting, but stressful for any young adult, and can be even harder for someone with Down syndrome. That makes it important to start planning as early as possible. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) that children with Down syndrome have in public schools includes transition planning.
How does Down syndrome affect a person’s daily life?
Kids with Down syndrome usually have trouble learning and are slower to learn how to talk and take care of themselves. But despite their challenges, kids with Down syndrome can go to regular schools, make friends, enjoy life, and get jobs when they’re older.
Can a person with Down syndrome look normal?
Misconception: People with Down syndrome all look alike .
For example, many but not all people with Down syndrome have almond-shaped eyes and a short stature. However, like typical people who share similar features, they look more like their families than each other.
How does Down syndrome affect a person physically?
Children with Down Syndrome tend to have quite floppy muscles (hypotonia or low muscle tone). This makes it harder for them to move and can affect all aspects of their physical development.
Does Down syndrome get worse with age?
Adults with Down syndrome experience “accelerated aging,” meaning they will age faster than the general population . It is expected that adults with Down syndrome will show physical, medical, and cognitive signs of aging much earlier than what is expected for their age.
What part of the body does Down syndrome generally affect?
Down syndrome, the most common chromosome-related genetic condition in the U.S., affects development of the brain and body . People with Down syndrome face physical and mental challenges, but can lead full and happy lives.
What is life expectancy for Down syndrome?
What is the life expectancy for people with Down syndrome? The life expectancy of people with Down syndrome increased dramatically between 1960 and 2007. In 1960, on average, persons with Down syndrome lived to be about 10 years old. In 2007, on average, persons with Down syndrome lived to be about 47 years old .
Can Down syndrome live normal life?
Most kids with Down syndrome will live a normal life
Although they will experience learning and developmental delays — and possibly health problems — children born with Down syndrome can grow up to be independent.
What is bad about Down syndrome?
Babies with Down syndrome may be born with other physical problems, and they’re at higher risk for certain health issues later in life. Possible complications of Down syndrome include: Heart problems . About half of babies with Down syndrome are born with a heart defect that may need surgery.
Do Down syndrome babies cry differently?
Just like any baby, infants who have Down syndrome will sometimes be fussy . The temperament of a baby with Down syndrome is not usually any different from the temperament of any other baby.
What are the behaviors of Down syndrome?
The most common mental health concerns include: general anxiety, repetitive and obsessive-compulsive behaviors; oppositional, impulsive, and inattentive behaviors ; sleep related difficulties; depression; autism spectrum conditions; and neuropsychological problems characterized by progressive loss of cognitive skills.
Can Down syndrome go undetected?
DSA|OC :: Down Syndrome Association Of Orange County
The most common reason for this late diagnosis is the lack of knowledge in the medical field on this rare form of Down syndrome. However, many individuals can go undiagnosed up into adulthood and there are still thousands who never receive a diagnosis.
At what age is Down syndrome diagnosed?
The test is usually done at 15 to 22 weeks of pregnancy . Integrated screening test. Your provider combines the results from the first trimester screening and the second trimester screening to better estimate the chances that your baby may have Down syndrome.
Can Down syndrome be prevented?
There’s no way to prevent Down syndrome . If you’re at high risk of having a child with Down syndrome or you already have one child with Down syndrome, you may want to consult a genetic counselor before becoming pregnant.
Can stress cause Down syndrome?
Down syndrome, which arises from a chromosome defect , is likely to have a direct link with the increase in stress levels seen in couples during the time of conception, say Surekha Ramachandran, founder of Down Syndrome Federation of India, who has been studying about the same ever since her daughter was diagnosed with ...
