Hereditary Disorders in Children - Essay Example

Hereditary defects are one of the leading cause of death in children—“causing 1 in 5 deaths in babies through 12 months of age and as many as 40% of deaths in children through the age of 10 years. Hereditary disorders are also a significant cause of childhood morbidity and long-term disability. Children with hereditary disorders often require care that is expensive and highly specialized. Hereditary disorders often impact family dynamics resulting in additional financial pressures, marital discord, and concerns about the needs of siblings.

There is very little that can be done to mitigate the cause of hereditary disorders, although non-genetic birth defects they can be competently managed through public health efforts, such as promoting folic acid intake to reduce the risk of neural tube defects, etc” (www.michigan.gov/mdch/). Genetic disorders can occur in males and females of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. It causes different types of birth defects, as well as developmental disabilities. To take a particular example, Down syndrome occurs in about 1 in 800 people.

There is wide variation in the mental abilities of children with Down syndrome. Most have developmental delays. They usually learn at a slower pace, but do not lose skills once they are acquired. They may “also have trouble with judgment and reasoning. The degree of mental impairment is usually in the mild to moderate range. Emotional problems such as behavior issues or depression may occur in childhood. Common facial features include upward slanting eyes with epicanthal folds (skin over the inside corner of the eye), a small mouth, and a flat nasal bridge.

Children with Down syndrome are often shorter than average, and prone to extra weight gain. Babies may seem “floppy” due to low muscle tone (hypotonia).” (www.lpch.org) But all is not lost for parents of children with Down syndrome and other genetic disorders. Down syndrome cannot be cured, but some symptoms can be