Neurologic complications associated with Down syndrome include dystonia, epilepsy, psychiatric problems, cardiac defects, and auditory and visual defects. Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetically inherited disorder in the general population, with a prevalence of 1 in 700 live births.
Epilepsy is more common in Down Syndrome, with presentation most likely in infancy, or in adults over 30 years of age. Infantile spasms, or West syndrome, present between 5 – 15 months of age. Generalised seizures may present in later childhood. In adults, onset of absence epilepsy may be an early sign of dementia.
Down's syndrome has manifestations in many systems. The syndrome has many neurological complications, which include structural changes, mental retardation, young-onset Alzheimer's disease, strokes and basal ganglia damage.
Potentially serious complications — The most serious complications of Down syndrome include heart defects, blood disorders that can include leukemia (cancer of the blood), and immune system problems. Heart defects — Approximately half of all babies with Down syndrome are born with (often repairable) heart defects.
Some of the common medical issues as outlined by the Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome include “congenital cardiac and gastrointestinal anomalies, autoimmune conditions, diverse leukemias, respiratory infections, sleep disorders, hearing and vision loss and early development of Alzheimer's-type dementia.”
However, because of lack of research, behavior issues in children with Down syndrome are less understood. Behavioral challenges can hamper a child's ability to function independently, perform well in school or other social settings, and even handle everyday tasks, such as bathing and dressing, at home.
The average intelligence quotient (IQ) of children with DS is around 50, ranging between 30 and 70. Remarkably, a small number of patients have a profound degree of ID, whereas others have a mild degree despite the absence of any genetic, cultural or familial favoring or disfavoring causes.
Those with Down syndrome nearly always have physical and intellectual disabilities. As adults, their mental abilities are typically similar to those of an 8- or 9-year-old. At the same time, their emotional and social awareness is very high.
Down syndrome symptoms vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. No matter how severe the condition is, people with Down syndrome have a widely-recognized appearance. The head may be smaller than normal and abnormally shaped.
Postmortem studies in adults with DS have found several brain abnormalities, including reduced gross brain weight, a lower number and depth of cerebral sulci, enlarged ventricles and hypoplasia of several brain structures such as the brainstem, cerebellum, frontal and temporal lobes.
Individuals with Down syndrome have signs of possible brain damage prior to birth. In addition to slowed and reduced mental development, they are much more likely to have cognitive deterioration and develop dementia at an earlier age than individuals without Down syndrome.
Similar to other populations (with or without a medical diagnosis), individuals with Down syndrome present a wide spectrum of physical, cognitive, and social characteristics and abilities.
Their personality characteristics vary, as well. Think of the different personality traits that typical people have and you have just as many traits that can occur in people with Down syndrome – they can be funny, sarcastic, indifferent, ambitious, laid back, high strung, loving… the list could go on forever.
Behavior changes in adults with Down syndrome have many potential causes. Some individuals have difficulty with the transition into adulthood as they face the loss of social networks, departure of older siblings, death of loved ones, changes in housing, and the challenge of obtaining meaningful work.
People with Down's syndrome will have some level of learning disability. This means they'll have a range of abilities. Some people will be more independent and do things like get a job. Other people might need more regular care.
Poor judgment. Impulsive behavior. Slow learning. Delayed language and speech development.
Down's syndrome is a type of disability. People who have Down's syndrome may find it hard to learn new things and may need support. People with Down's syndrome may have more problems with their health too. is caused by an extra chromosome in your cells.
Many students with down syndrome do not have the ability to express their fear or resistance to a new practice. Until they have the language to express their feelings, stubborn behavior will continue. When you run into resistance, try to help your student see the positive outcome of what you're asking him/her to do.
4,5 A Finnish study showed that, of a population of 129, only 9% had shown severe irritability, disturbing behaviour and physically attacked others, and 4% had been difficult to manage or even dangerous to others. 3 These aggressive behaviours were statisti- cally significant amongst male patients rather than females.
Children with Down syndrome are often described as "stubborn" and "obstinate." In fact, references to challenging behavior have historically been seen in the clinical literature and continue to exist today.
Pulmonary infectious disease is the leading cause of mortality in Down syndrome, caused by both intrinsic (morphological factors) and extrinsic (immune dysfunction) factors. Listed in each organ cartoon are genes implicated in disturbed heart, lung and immune function.
In 1900, the life expectancy of people with DS was 9 years. By 1984, the life expectancy had increased to 28 years. Since then, the life expectancy of people with DS has increased to about 60 years* (1-4).
Some of the specific learning strengths that characterize many children with Down syndrome include: A distinct preference for visual learning. High capacity for empathy and social understanding. Strong visual short-term memory.