Down Syndrome Health Issues
Many children with Down syndrome have health complications beyond the usual childhood illnesses. Approximately 40% of the children have congenital heart defects. It is very important that an echocardiogram be performed on all newborns with Down syndrome in order to identify any serious cardiac problems that might be present. Some of the heart conditions require surgery while others only require careful monitoring. Children with Down syndrome have a higher incidence of infection, respiratory, vision and hearing problems as well as thyroid and other medical conditions. However, with appropriate medical care most children and adults with Down syndrome can lead healthy lives. The average life expectancy of individuals with Down syndrome is 55 years, with many living into their sixties and seventies.
Camiel
Im doing a projcet over downssyndrome and i would just like to know a little about it. It is very hard for me to find information on it and maybe some one could help me
Justin
It would be worthwhile for you to ask some of the members on the site IMO. What are your questions?
amyjo
Justin, I suggested that you get this website on facebook and you asked me how. Im not real sure but I belong to our local Down Syndrome Association and I am sure they would be more than willing to help you get started as they have been a wonderful support t o me and my family. If you get on facebook, search for the HEART OF ILLINOIS DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION there you will be able to ask how to join this website with facebook. I believe this will be a huge success!
Amy
Lenny Brinkerhoff
My husband and I have been caring for his sister for the last 19 years. We just recently put her into a care center. she is in excellent health but she now has Alazheimers and as we are both in out late 60′s we can no longer care for her.
You can reply to us if you would like to hear our stories about her. My husband and I were raised across the street from each other and she thinks I am her sister.
She is a sweetheart.
Ginger
I have a brother with downs that just turned 53. He has been living with me for 8 years. He has severe back problems and can not walk. Does she have any back problems? Thanks so much…
Ursula Kawalec
i would love to talk to anyone who has a child with Down Syndrome. I have a 4year old little girl Olivia-anne, who is unable to walk. IShe goes to a Catholic Preschool and we are trying to get her ready to go into Reception,the first term of next year. I would really love to talk to people about their own experiences with their own children and if they can give me any advice. I do feel that when she finished early entry, that the support that I had been given had stopped once she turned 4years and finished early entrey. If anyone would like to talk to me, whether it be by my home number(82430729), email or my mobile(0414644638), the support would really be appreciated, as well as making new friends. Ursula
Ursula
thanx,look forward to hearing from anyone
Pete
Have a daughter with Down’s. She is 27 now and just had cornea surgery. Now for the first time , she has seizures. Some doctors have said that it is because they are prone to seizures. But i haven’t seen one article that reflects that. Help
Jeannie
I have a 20 month old with T21. She is doing well in all areas except speech. She has a big problem with throwing things and when I discipline her and sign ‘don’t throw” and “give me” to make her pick stuff up, she cries uncontrollably. Am I being too harsh? Or does she know that if she cries she doesn’t have to pick up the stuff she throws? Any help with discipline would be greatly appreciated.
Justin
it sounds like you are doing great. All kids display different levels of emotions. Also, don’t worry so much about how well she is doing with speech. That will also come especially with the hard work you are putting. It is great you are also doing sign. Good luck. Please come back and let us know how things are going.
Justin