Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs when there is an extra copy of chromosome 21. The extra chromosome can influence the physical features, development, and intellect of a person. Down syndrome escalates the likelihood of different health problems. As opined by Rice, Warren, and Betz (2014), some of the physical conditions of Down syndrome include low muscle tone, small stature, and a short neck, protruding tongue and a single flexion furrow of the fifth finger. In the case of developmental delays, individuals with Down syndrome have cognitive profiles that suggest mild to average intellectual disability. Some of the intellectual and developmental conditions include cognitive impairment and thinking and learning problems such as short attention span, impulsive behavior, delayed language, and poor judgment.
The most prevalent cases of Down syndrome result from trisomy 21, which implies that each cell in the body has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the normal two copies. People affected with Down syndrome have two usual copies of chromosome 21 plus extra material from chromosome 21 adhered to another chromosome that results in three copies of genetic material from chromosome 21 (Epstein, 2016). There are several ways in which Down syndrome can be managed. Down syndrome can be managed through speech therapy, behaviour therapy, and physical therapy. Speech therapy enhances the ability of a person to communicate while physical therapy strengthens muscles and improves motor skills.
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Apart from physical therapy, behavioural therapy is significant in the management of emotional challenges that may come with Down syndrome. Another important aspect in the management of Down syndrome is the occupational therapy that is essential in refining motor skills and making daily tasks easier (Guralnick, 2017). As much as Down syndrome cannot be treated, it is important to identify this kind of problem as early as possible. The sooner children with Down syndrome receive care and attention they need to address this particular health and developmental issues; the more likely they are to attain their full potential.
References
Epstein, C. J. (2016). Down syndrome. In Abnormal States of Brain and Mind (pp. 43-44). Birkhäuser, Boston, MA.
Guralnick, M. J. (2017). The effectiveness of early intervention . Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., PO Box 10624, Baltimore, MD 21285-0624.
Rice, M. L., Warren, S. F., & Betz, S. K. (2014). Language symptoms of developmental language disorders: An overview of autism, Down syndrome, fragile X, specific language impairment, and Williams syndrome. Applied psycholinguistics , 26 (1), 7-27.
