MYTHS AND FACTS OF DOWN’S SYNDROME
| MYTHS | FACTS | ||
| 1. Down syndrome is a rare disorder | 1. Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. 1/1000 babies born in with Down syndrome. | ||
| 2. Down Syndrome is hereditary and runs in families | 2. Translocation, a type of Down syndrome that accounts for 3 to 4% of all cases, is the only type of Down syndrome known to have a hereditary component. | ||
| 3. All people with Down syndrome have a severe cognitive disability. | 3. Most people with Down Syndrome have a mild to moderate cognitive disability, or intellectual disability. This is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses | ||
| 4. People with Down syndrome are always sick | 4. Though people with Down syndrome are at an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, and thyroid conditions, advances in health care and treatment of these conditions have allowed for most individuals with Down syndrome to lead healthy lives. | ||
| 5. Segregated special education programs are the only option for students with Down syndrome | 5. Students with Down syndrome are included in typical academic classrooms in schools across the country. | ||
| 6. People with Down syndrome cannot be active members of their community | 6. People with Down syndrome are active participants in educational, social and recreational activities. They are included in the typical education system and take part in sports, music, art programs and any other activities in the community. | ||
| 7. People with Down syndrome are always happy | 7. People with Down syndrome have feelings just like anyone else. They experience the full range of emotions. | ||
| 8. Scientist know everything there is to know about Down syndrome | 8. Though we know that an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21 causes the characteristics of Down syndrome, researchers are making great strides in identifying how individual genes on chromosome 21 affect a person with Down syndrome. Scientists now feel strongly that it will be possible to improve, correct or prevent many of the problems associated with Down syndrome in the future. |
Development delay in Down syndrome children
| Motor milestone | DS children | Non-handicapped children | |
| Good head Balance | 3-9 months | 1-4 months | |
| Roll over | 4-12 months | 2-10 months | |
| Sits erect more than one minute | 6-16 months | 5-9 months | |
| Pulls to stand | 8-26 months | 7-12 months | |
| Stand alone | 12-38 months | 9-16 months | |
| Walk without support | 13-48 months | 9-17 months | |
| Climbs stairs with help | 20-48 months | 12-24 months | |
| Comes down stairs with help | 24-60 months | 13-24 months | |
| Runs | +48 months |
by Arshiya Memon
Neuro Physiotherapist