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DOWN SYNDROME (CONT)

Do a Lot of People Have Down Syndrome ?

About one out of every 800 babies has Down Syndrome, no matter what race or nationality the parents are. It is not contagious, so you can't catch it from someone else. You are born with it. No one gets Down Syndrome later in life.

Now you know that Down syndrome is caused by a problem with a chromosome. You might already know that we get our chromosomes from our mother and father. Remember the 23 parts of chromosomes – half are from your mom and half are from your dad. But doctors aren't sure why this chromosome problem happens to some babies. It's nothing the mom or dad did before the child was born. Anyone can have a baby with Down syndrome. But the older the mother, the greater the risk.

Is There A Cure?

At one time, most kids' with Down Syndrome did not live past childhood. Many would often become sick from infections. Others world die from their heart problems or other problems they had at birth. Today, most of these health problems can be treated and most kids who have it will grow into adulthood. Medicines can help with infections and surgery can correct heart, stomach, and intestinal problems. If the person gets to leukemia, there are medical treatments that can be very successful.

Someone with Don syndrome has a good chance of living to be 50 years old or more. But there is no cure for Down syndrome. It is something a person will have all of her life. But scientist continue to do research in the hope of finding ways to prevent Down Syndrome or at least improve the health and lives of people who have it.

What's Life Like for Children With Down Syndrome

Many children with Down Syndrome go to regular schools and may attend regular classes. Some need special classes to help them in areas where they have more trouble learning. Their parents work with teachers and others to come up with a plan for the best way for each child to learn.

Children with down play sports and participate in activities, such as music lessons or dance classes. Because they look different, some kids may taste or bully kids who have Down Syndrome. But these kids have feelings just like anybody else. When they get teased, it hurts their feelings. They want to be accepted and have friends. If you know someone with Down Syndrome, know someone with Down syndrome; you can be a big help by not teasing him or her. Instead, offer a helping hand and a friendly word of encouragement.

You might wonder what kids with Down syndrome do after they graduate from high school. They often go to work. You may have seen a person with Down syndrome on the job – may be helping in an office, a grocery store, or restaurant. In fact, they are known for their enthusiasm, reliability, and dedication. For all their hard work, they can feel a sense of accomplishment – and enjoy spending their pay packet!

For Assessment and Special School Placement Please contact:

HEARTS OF GOLD SPECIAL SCHOOL

10 Oba Akinjobi Street , GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
Tel: 08033184840