Children with Down syndrome have a number of medical treatment needs that stem from the syndrome. Many new parents of children with Down syndrome find themselves overwhelmed by the issues and challenges confronting them. However, because so many families have faced Down syndrome, there are lots of outlets for quality medical treatment of Down syndrome children.
Instructions
1. Evaluate your child's specific needs. Children with Down syndrome face a number of medical problems. One of the most significant and threatening is congenital heart defect, which affects roughly half of the Down syndrome population. Aside from heart defects, Down syndrome children are susceptible to eye and ear problems, in addition to more general illnesses.
2. Find a general practitioner or pediatrician for your child. A GP or pediatrician who can get familiar with a Down syndrome child's specific medical condition will help find the proper treatment for the child. Also, a physician who stays involved with the child's health will add a personal element and higher level of care to the child's treatment.
3. Plug into a support network. A network of parents who deal with the medical issues associated with Down syndrome children will provide invaluable real-life advice and strategies about getting good treatment for a child. Most support networks are local, so speak with a pediatrician or social worker to find a good group for the parents of Down syndrome children.
4. Enroll the child early in intervention services. There are lots of programs that treat Down syndrome children with physical therapy, exercise, psychological and educational services. Professionals who deal with Down syndrome children are expert at identifying and finding fast treatment for problems caused by Down syndrome.
5. Take advantage of government services. In the U.S., Down syndrome children are guaranteed resources under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Professionals who work with the IDEA program will help support you and find resources and treatment for Down syndrome children. Investigate other programs and resources that can assist you in caring for a child with Down syndrome.
Tags: Down syndrome, Down syndrome children, syndrome children, with Down syndrome, with Down