How to deal with a child with Down syndrome

 How to deal with a child with Down syndrome

Down's syndrome

Down syndrome, which is also called (Trisomy 21) is a condition in which a person is born with an extra chromosome so that the chromosomes contain thousands of genes, and these genes carry information that determines the traits and characteristics transmitted to him from both parents, but with Down syndrome, the extra chromosome causes There is a delay in the way the child develops mentally and physically, and the physical characteristics and medical problems associated with Down syndrome can vary from one child to another, so that some children need a lot of medical attention, while others live healthy lives.

It is known that Down syndrome cannot be prevented, but it can be detected before the birth of the child, and the health problems that may accompany it can be treated, through the many resources available to help children and their families who live with this condition.

The main symptoms of Down syndrome

Most children and adults with Down syndrome have distinctive facial features, and they have some of the most common features; including a flat face, small head, short neck, protruding tongue, upward-slanting eyelids with fissures of the medulla, unusually shaped or small ears, weak muscles, broad and short hands with a single wrinkle in the palm, In addition to relatively short fingers and excessive flexibility, they also have small white spots on the colored part of the eye called (Brush field).

Types of Down syndrome

Despite the similarity of the physical characteristics and behaviors of this condition, it has three different types, namely:

Trisomy 21 Syndrome

About 95% of people with Down syndrome suffer from the presence of twenty-one chromosomes, and each cell in the body has 3 separate copies of twenty-one chromosomes instead of the usual two copies.

Down Translocation Syndrome

About 3% of people have this syndrome. It occurs when twenty-one complete extra chromosomes are present but is located on a different chromosome, rather than as twenty-one separate chromosomes.

Mosaic Down Syndrome

This type affects about 2% of people with Down syndrome, so it is called mosaic because of the mixture or combination so that some of their cells contain 3 copies of twenty-one chromosomes, but other cells have two typical copies of twenty-one chromosomes.

How to deal with a child with Down syndrome

It is one of the most useful things you can do; It is knowing how to deal with children with Down syndrome, to help in knowing what can be done daily, to support the child and the parents as well, the most important of which are:

Identify the capabilities and talents of these children

Children with Down syndrome have personalities and talents as diverse as any other child. They have a full range of emotions, from pride, happiness, fear, disappointment, and more. There are also many children with Down syndrome in regular education classes. They may need additional support. for specific topics; Such as reading or mathematics, but most of them can learn to read and write, in addition to the possibility of obtaining vocational training, and certain jobs, and some of them go to colleges. They are children with different talents and strengths; So that some love music and art, while others love to play sports, and some are shy, while others are frank and bold.

Protect them from bullying

Children with Down syndrome may sometimes be treated badly, and society does not always accept people with it, and they may be subjected to harassment and ridicule, in addition to being avoided by others, and most people believe that they cannot work or take care of themselves, which causes It hurts them, hurts their self-esteem, just like everyone else who suffers from social rejection, so it is important to protect them from bullying and to provide them with the extra support from their loved ones and caregivers, which they desperately need to be able to overcome these obstacles.

Provide them with the necessary support

Medical support must be provided to the child, as he needs a plan designed to help him reach his fullest potential, so it is important to search for a pediatrician or primary care provider who can be trusted, to help coordinate appropriate medical care for the child, and it is also possible to communicate with early intervention services. , which provides services, such as occupational, physical, and speech therapy, which are often low-cost or free, in addition to providing educational support for the child, through his participation in the school, and that needs to work as a team with teachers and counselors in schools; To ensure that the child receives all the academic and social support that he needs, and that they are entitled to an individual educational plan, which is established with the school and which meets the child's learning needs so that it is reviewed every year.

Teaching them social skills

Children with Down syndrome benefit from practicing social skills, so it is important to teach them how to make new friends, which can be a challenge for them, because it is sometimes more difficult to deal with their peers, so they must be taught about friendly and unfriendly actions, and how to smile, And the use of kind words, in addition to training them on how to start a specific conversation, it is also important to teach them how to deal with painful or hurtful behavior, and what they can do if someone is not nice to them.

Stick to the routine

Routine is important for children with Down syndrome because they have trouble receiving and remembering verbal directions if they are very complex, so sticking to the routine and talking to them in short phrases can make it easier for them. To avoid any negative behavior, it also helps them prepare the child for the next thing he will need to do.

Reinforce positive behavior

Positive reinforcement of good behavior and its praise is a strong motivator for children, because praise immediately gives the child a positive feeling, and links it to the behavior he has just done, so when the child shows positive behavior; Like collecting toys when he's finished playing, or even eating their food, it's important to let them know they've done a good job.

Give them the chance to choose

Giving children the opportunity to choose that has already been approved by the parents will help them feel empowered, and it also reduces stimuli for negative behavior, by allowing the child to choose between items without imposing choices on them, so that these choices can be simple; Like choosing which cereal to eat for breakfast, or choosing which shirt to wear to school.

Providing the necessary support to parents

Both parents must have a state of anxiety and fear for their child who suffers from Down syndrome, so it is important to invite some friends and family to participate in providing care and talk about some special challenges to facilitate assistance, as it is possible to walk, read a book, or even get out of the area for a while, helping to relax and rest; So that spending time with friends, taking care of health through exercise, and eating healthy food helps recharge energies, help overcome negative feelings, and provide what is needed to deal with daily stress.