Every year on March 21st, the world celebrates Down Syndrome Day to create and increase awareness and encourage support for those affected. When Lola and Brian Huchkins were expecting, they were excited about the bundle of joy that would soon join their family. They had waited for 9 long years and now have their hands stretched out to receive their gift of a baby. When baby Audrey came, it was a dream come true. Her loud cry announced the emergence of a human who would become the center of attention in the lives of the Huchkings. They loved their baby more than anything in the world. They did not notice any physical pointer to a defect in their baby; they were happy to have their baby in their hands at last! When a parent learns that their child has a medical condition that might limit the quality of life, it can dampen their joy and make the future uncertain. This was the case for the Huchkins when Dr. Ryan told them that their beloved daughter has Down Syndrome a few days later.
TYPES OF DOWN SYNDROME
There are 3 primary forms of Down syndrome. They are:
- Trisomy 21:
It makes up around 95% of cases of Down syndrome, making it the most prevalent kind. Every cell in the body has an additional copy of chromosome 21 in this type.
2. Mosaicism:
In this condition, the body contains a combination of cells, some of which have an additional copy of chromosome 21 and others of which have two standard copies. One percent of people with Down syndrome have mosaicism.
3. Translocation:
This kind of Down syndrome is brought on by a piece of chromosome 21 separating and joining with another chromosome, frequently chromosome 14. The genetic material from chromosome 21 is still present in three copies of this kind, but it is joined to a different chromosome. 4% of cases of Down syndrome are the result of translocation.
MANAGING DOWN SYNDROME
Although there is no known treatment for Down syndrome, early interventions and medical attention can significantly enhance the quality of life for those who have this disease. With the right assistance and care, individuals with Down syndrome can live happy lives and give back to their communities. In the case of the Hunckings, love, support of medical personnel involved in Audrey’s care, and the support group they joined enabled them to properly care for her and help her reach her full potential.
There isn’t a single, accepted course of treatment for Down syndrome. Each person’s physical, intellectual, as well as unique strengths and limits, are taken into account while developing a treatment plan. Medical experts such as doctors, special educators, speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and social workers, may all be involved in providing care for a child with Down syndrome. Some common interventions in managing down syndrome include:
- Special educational programs for specific needs.
- Addressing any underlying health issues.
- Speech therapy.
- wearing eyeglasses to correct vision issues or hearing aids to treat hearing loss.
In Summary
Children and adults with down syndrome receive a lot of love and care from their families and loved ones. However, there are situations where they would require professional carers to manage them and provide them with tailored care. In such a situation, Balance of Creation is available to provide quality care that will enable them to enjoy the best quality of life in which they will not only thrive, but fulfill their full potential.
Balance of Creation has introduced a new E-learning CPD accredited course to help healthcare workers and careers acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to help young adults with this syndrome. It features over 83 accredited mandatory and specialist Healthcare Courses with easy downloadable certificates to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day.
For more information about the E-learning courses, please sign up on our website at www.balanceofceofcreation.online or call +44770810323.
