| Healthcare – In General and in Central TexasChildren with Down syndrome generally require the same medical care as any other child. Because children with Down syndrome may be at risk for certain conditions, however, parents and medical professionals should carefully consult Health Care Guidelines for Individuals with Down Syndrome (preventative checklist) for diagnostic care – even if the child is not showing symptoms of a specific condition. This promotes prevention and early treatment of medical conditions, rather than waiting for problems and then playing catch-up. Find the Guidelines at www.ds-health.com; if your doctor is not familiar with them, take a copy to every well-check appointment and ask him or her to review and follow the Guidelines in ordering diagnostic and screening tests.
Common medical considerations for individuals with Down syndrome occur at the following frequency (many of which are correctible through surgery and/or medical treatment):
Other important medical aspects include immunologic concerns, leukemia, alzheimers disease (including early-onset), seizure disorders, celiac disease, skin disorders, nutritional concerns, and other skeletal problems. Parents need to know it is very unlikely their child will develop all or even mostof these medical conditions, and need to understand many are highly treatable. Parents also need to know that life expectancy is now 55-60 years with some individuals living into their 70’s, and individuals with DS have lower than average risk of developing solid tumors. Depending on whether your child has any one or more of the medical conditions, he or she may benefit from seeing (in addition to the regular pediatrician) an ENT (ear, nose and throat doctor) for hearing and tonsil/adenoid issues, a pediatric ophthalmologist (not an optometrist) for eye issues, a pediatric endocrinologist for hypothyroidism, pediatric dermatologist, and/or a pediatric cardiologist. The DSACT yahoo group is a great place to ask for recommendations of pediatricians and specialists who welcome children with Down syndrome into their practice and provide attentive care. Many families use the specialists and subspecialists at ‘Specially for Children, a large group of pediatric specialists who practice at Dell Children’s Medical Center. There is no Down syndrome specialist or Down syndrome clinic in the Central Texas area. However, ‘Specially for Children has a pediatric developmental-behavioralist named Siv Fasci, M.D. She arrived in Fall 2010 and is now seeing children with Down syndrome. DSACT members who have taken their children to see Dr. Fasci have had good experiences with her, and report that she attends to general medical as well as behavioral, school and developmental issues. The phone number for appointments with Dr. Fasci is 512-324-0137. Clinical Research Clinical research into Down syndrome is making great strides to:
Recent advances include
DSACT does not endorse (or discourage the use of) nutritional supplements developed specifically for Down syndrome (such as Nutrivene), or medications such as Piracetam, Aricept, or Exelon for use with individuals with Down syndrome. Whether or not to use these supplements or medications is a matter to be discussed with your child’s doctor. DSACT Video “Down Syndrome in the 21st Century” Parents and healthcare professionals interested in development of individuals with Down syndrome will want to watch DSACT’s video “Down Syndrome in the 21st Century.” This video profiles individuals with Down Syndrome from infancy through adulthood doing remarkable things and contributing to their families and communities in ways that were not thought possible ten or twenty years ago. The video is ideal for new or expectant parents, educators, physicians or other health care professionals, and the community, and provides a current, first-hand view of individuals with Down Syndrome today. Additional Resources Email the DSACT yahoo group with health-related questions. Often another DSACT member will have a resource or suggestion. Internet Resources on Health Website includes Health Care Guidelines for Individuals with Down Syndrome
Internet Resources on DS Research
Recommended Books about Therapy and other DS Issues Woodbinehouse.com (catalog of books on DS)
DSACT does not provide specific medical advice to any individual with Down syndrome. This website provides general health information about Down syndrome. For specific medical questions, contact your healthcare professional. |