We believe that many parents feel quite saddened when their child is born with Down syndrome. Although this condition cannot be completely cured, parents can live happily with their child through love and understanding.
Down syndrome is a name we have heard and are familiar with. It is found that a considerable number of children are born with Down syndrome, caused by an abnormality in the genetic material or the 21st chromosome pair. This results in distinctive physical features and abnormalities in various organs. The chance of having a child with Down syndrome can occur in pregnant women of all ages but increases as the mother’s age increases, especially over 35 years old.
Currently, there is no cure for this condition. Care for these children focuses on treating physical abnormalities alongside training and promoting skills and development in various areas. The goal is for the child to be able to take care of themselves in daily life and adapt happily to living in society.
Physical characteristics of children with Down syndrome
Children with Down syndrome have specific external physical features such as wide-set eyes, upward slanting outer corners of the eyes, flat nasal bridge, large tongue that may protrude, a single transverse palmar crease, short or absent middle phalanx of the little finger, hypotonia (soft and floppy body), small head, flat back of the skull, short stature, and often a stocky build.
Complications and other associated problems
Besides external physical features, these children may have other health conditions requiring special care, such as congenital heart defects, intestinal obstruction, thyroid dysfunction, vision and hearing problems, etc. They have an increased risk of leukemia compared to normal children. They may have intellectual disabilities, some may experience seizures, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, or behavioral problems, and may develop Alzheimer’s disease as they age.
Diagnosis of Down syndrome
Since there is no cure for Down syndrome, prenatal screening is important, especially for mothers aged 35 and older. Blood tests, ultrasound, amniocentesis, or chorionic villus sampling can determine whether the fetus has Down syndrome. This allows parents and the medical team to plan appropriate care and treatment.
Care for children with Down syndrome
Parents and caregivers may face stress, worry, and sadness when their child is born with Down syndrome. Acceptance and understanding of the condition are crucial. Children with Down syndrome develop in stages like other children but may be delayed compared to typical children. Parents and caregivers can learn to live with and support the child in various ways, promoting development so the child can reach their potential, be able to take care of themselves in daily life, and some can attend regular schools and adapt happily in society. However, parents and caregivers should not have overly high expectations and should encourage each other in raising a child with Down syndrome. Although these children have challenges in many areas, parents should not forget to see their positive traits, as they are often cheerful, happy, and easier to care for than other children.
Child and Adolescent Health Center
Phyathai 2 Hospital, Building B, 2nd Floor
Opening hours
Open daily from 06:30 – 20:00 (Services at Building B, 2nd Floor)
and 20:00 – 22:00 (Services at Building A, 1st Floor)
Phone number
02-617-2444 ext. 3219, 3220
