Progress of Children with Down Syndrome - Term Paper Example

The paper seeks to understand the problem regarding nursing management and available community resources.

Introduction

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that results in lifelong pathophysiological problems including developmental delays and mental retardation. It is a condition in which an individual is born with an extra chromosome 21 copy (Dykens, 2007). Individuals suffering from this condition tend to have intellectual disabilities, as well as physical problems. Also, they may have other health problems such as dementia, heart disease, hearing problems, and problems with the eyes, skeleton, thyroid, and intestines among others. It should be noted that the severity of Down syndrome varies and therefore developmental problems usually range from moderate to serious (Selikowitz, 1997). Various studies have shown that an increased understanding of this condition, as well as early interventions, can make a big difference in the lives of those affected by it. Although this condition cannot be cured, early treatment programs and measures can significantly help in improving the skills of those affected. These programs and measures may include occupational, educational, physical, and/or speech therapy. When those suffering from this condition are provided with treatment and support, they can live productive and happy lives (Underwood, 2004).

            It is important to understand the main causes of this condition and its symptoms as well. Normally, human cells contain 23 pairs of chromosomes; one chromosome in each pair is from the father, and the other chromosome is from the mother. When one of three forms of abnormal cell division that involves chromosome 21 occurs, it results in Down syndrome (Dykens, 2007). All three abnormalities of cell division cause extra genetic material from chromosome 21 that is responsible for the characteristic developmental problems and features of Down syndrome. Generally, the three genetic variations that result in Down syndrome are Mosaic Down Syndrome, Trisomy 21, and Translocation Down syndrome. It is worth noting that there are no known environmental or behavioral factors that cause Down syndrome. Also, it should be noted that this condition is not inherited and that it is caused by a cell division mistake during the development of the embryo, sperm, or egg (Selikowitz, 1997).

            People affected by Down syndrome have a distinct facial appearance; although not all of them have similar features, there are some of the more common features. Some of the common features of Down syndrome include flattened facial features; protruding tongue; unusually shaped ears; small head; upward slanting eyes; and a short neck (Underwood, 2004). Also, people with Down syndrome may have: excessive flexibility; poor muscle tone; relatively short fingers; short, broad hands with a single crease in the palm. While infants with Down syndrome may be of average size, they typically remain shorter and grow slowly compared to other children of the same age. Generally, developmental milestones, such as crawling and sitting, happen at nearly twice the age of normal children (Dykens, 2007).

            Although this condition cannot be cured, there are several nursing management programs that can help those with this condition to live productive and relatively normal lives. It has been proven that children, who are provided with better management of this condition often graduate from high school, participate in college or university education, and can even get paid work (Selikowitz, 1997). Management of this condition includes strategies such as screening for common problems, providing a conducive family and learning environment, early childhood intervention, medical treatment when prescribed, as well as occupational, educational, physical, and/or speech therapy. Cognitive development is considered a good management strategy for persons with Down syndrome. Since most people with this condition tend to have hearing problems and language learning problems among other linguistic and interaction skills problems, early cognitive development intervention can enhance their communication and interaction skills (Dykens, 2007). This strategy can entail language assessments to help profile weaknesses and strengths; individualized speech therapy to enhance speech intelligibility; and the application of alternative and augmentative communication methods to aid communication among people with Down syndrome. In addition, plastic surgery can be performed on persons with Down syndrome, with the assumption that it can minimize the facial features relating to this condition and thus reduce social stigma, in turn leading to a better and improved life quality (Underwood, 2004).

            Finally, considering that some families and children find it difficult to cope with Down syndrome and some problems associated with it, community resources must be made available to help them in coping with this condition. There should be adequate and easy access to good health care within a community, including the availability of a range of different (Dykens, 2007). Besides, the community should have resources that are essential in early intervention programs to provide assistance and support for parents and children. Additionally, there should be support and education groups that are providing help and information for families, friends, and parents who have members with Down syndrome. The availability of such community resources will go a long way in helping those with Down syndrome to develop into fulfilled and healthy individuals who can achieve a level of independence (Underwood, 2004).