Down’s syndrome is a life- long condition which develops whilst the baby is in the womb; affecting the individual’s normal physical development and causes moderate to severe learning difficulties. This is due to the fact that Downs syndrome causes the brain cells to deteriorate faster than a normal persons.
Children who are born with Down’s syndrome also have a higher chance of developing other conditions, including:
•problems with hearing and sight
•congenital heart disease – a general term that refers to a group of birth defects that affect the heart
•Alzheimer’s disease – a common type of dementia which often affects people aged 65 years and above
The effects of Downs’s syndrome can be controlled by treatment which can improve the chance of living longer, as the average life expectancy of an individual with Downs syndrome is shorter than the average normal person and varies depending on the type and severity of their condition.
According to statistics, around 1 in 5 people with Down’s syndrome will develop a psychological or behavioural condition. Conditions that can develop in younger children with Down’s syndrome include:
•Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - causing the child to have a short attention span and impulsive behaviour
•Autistic Spectrum Disorder – affecting the child’s development which can cause problems with language, behaviour and how they interact socially with others.
Conditions that can develop in teenagers and adults with Downs’s syndrome include:
•Depression
•Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Depending on the severity of the individuals condition, having these problems can affect their ability to socialise with others, as it can be difficult to communicate with people if they have speech problems. It can also be quite difficult for people with Down’s syndrome to interact with others if they have a problem with understanding things if they have learning difficulties; which could affect their ability to work/study. These problems affecting their ability to socialise with others could have an impact on their social life in terms of struggling to make friends and have relationships, as well as their self-esteem; which can cause them to feel depressed, possibly causing further health problems as a result of neglecting themselves.
Depending on the severity of the individual’s condition, many people with Downs are unable to care for themselves due to the complications of their condition. This leaves the person with Downs syndrome dependant therefore will require help from the state such as Disability living allowance and grants etc. to help cover the cost of their care. This often means they are unable to work as they rely on benefits.
Although there is no cure for Down syndrome, there are several ways which can help Downs children develop into healthy individuals who can be independent and live happy fulfilling lives. These include
•access to good healthcare including a range of different specialists
•early intervention programmes to provide support for children and parents
•good parenting skills and an ordinary family life
•education and support groups to provide information and help for parents, friends and families
Improved education and support has given more opportunities to people with Down syndrome, including leaving home, making relationships, getting jobs and leading independent lives. Every child is different therefore is difficult to predict each individuals outlook, but overall with the right support people with downs tend to live happy lives.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis is a condition which is caused by a mutation in the CFTR gene. This specific mutation causes excessive amounts of salt and water to enter the body’s cells. This results in a build-up of thick, sticky mucus in the body's tubes and passageways, including the lungs, digestive system and other organs, resulting in the symptoms of cystic fibrosis. These symptoms include:
•persistent cough
• Re-occuring infections affecting the lungs and chest
• Difficulty in gaining wait