Global Awareness
21st of March
The date itself has been selected for a very clever reason – it is held on the 21st day of the third month, which is an acknowledgement of the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome which leads to Down Syndrome.
Down syndrome is not an illness or a disease,
it is a developmental disability because of a chromosomal disorder.
Down syndrome is the commonest identifiable cause of intellectual disability, accounting for almost one-third of cases. It occurs equally in all races with an overall incidence of approximately 1 in 800 births. World Down Syndrome Day is a great opportunity to raise funds to support people with Down syndrome. You could raise money to donate to your local, regional or national Down syndrome charity. Think of something to do, for example, run, cycle, have a coffee morning or a cake sale, etc. You could even just launch a fundraising appeal on a charity’s behalf. Visit Down syndrome South Africa at www.downsyndrome.org.za or contact them on 0861 369 672 or 072 652 2377 and get involved! Learn a little more about down syndrome below:
Nutrition
Children with Down Syndrome are likely to be overweight and have a higher risk of obesity.
They burn calories at a slower rate and are frequently diagnosed with an under-active thyroid which can contribute to weight gain.
To keep obesity at bay, feed children nutrient dense foods and limit junk food without nutritional value.
A good rule of thumb is to eat ‘real food’ found in nature, and avoid man-made ‘food’ as much as possible.
Include healthy fats such as coconut and olive oil and even organic, pastured, butter containing butyric acid and Omega-3 fatty acids. Social activities such as dancing or drama groups can be really good motivators for people with Down Syndrome. Exercise DVDs, particularly those featuring a favourite actor or TV personality, or Wii Fitness or Wii Workout are enjoyed by many adults.
Eye sight
Down Syndrome has effects on the developing eye which can impact the proper development of vision. Eye disease is reported in over half of patients with Down’s Syndrome, from less severe problems such as tear duct abnormalities to vision threatening diagnoses such as early age cataracts.
Hearing loss
Sixty to 80 per cent of children with Down Syndrome have hearing deficits. Individuals with Down Syndrome may have sensorineural loss, conductive loss related to otitis media, or both. The ear canals of people with Down Syndrome, especially children, tend to be much smaller and narrower. Their ear canals are often blocked by cerumen, or ear wax. These blockages of the external ear canal also can cause hearing deficits.
Here are some useful tips for working with individuals with Down Syndrome
Include them
Just like anyone else, they want to be included. Talk to them and include them. Get to know them as a person! You’ll be glad you did.
Person-first language
Remember that individuals with Down syndrome are just that – individuals! They are not “Down’s” or “Down syndrome kids/ adults.” They are people first, so please always address them that way. Remember that they are way more than a diagnosis!
Give clear direction
Be clear and concise! They do very well when you “show” them, rather than “tell” them. Be positive. They can achieve just about anything they set their minds to! Hold high expectations for them and provide encouragement. Being positive with them will help encourage success!
Slow down a little
Sometimes it may take them longer to process what you are saying. Slow down! Don’t talk to them as if they don’t understand you, but give them some processing time (usually 10 seconds). If you wait for what they have to say, you won’t be sorry!
Thanks to advances in medical and clinical treatment and opportunities to thrive, as many as 80 per cent of adults with Down syndrome live longer.
