Ds Facts...

Do People with Down Syndrome have Health Problems?
People with Down syndrome are at increased risk for certain health problems. While there is an increased risk for certain medical conditions compared to the general population, advances in medicine have rendered most of these health problems treatable and most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.

Congenital heart defects, increased susceptibility to infection, respiratory and hearing problems, obstructed digestive tracts, sleep apnea and childhood leukemia occur with greater frequency in children with Down syndrome. Adults with Down syndrome are also at increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease, thyroid conditions and sleep apnea. The majority of people born with Down syndrome today have an average life expectancy of 55 years, with some living into their seventies.

Resources such as the Down Syndrome Health Care Guidelines and specialized growth charts can further assist families and medical professionals in providing appropriate medical and preventative care. These documents can be obtained from NDSS.

How Does Down Syndrome AffectDevelopment?
All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, however, the effect is usually mild
to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses. Children with Down syndrome learn to sit, walk, talk, play, toilet train and do most other activities — only somewhat later than their peers without Down syndrome.

DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES
Milestone; Down Syndrome Range; Typical Range
Gross Motor
Sits Alone; 6-30 Months; 5-9 Months
Crawls; 8-22 Months; 6-12 Months
Stands; 12-39 Months; 8-17 Months
Walks Alone; 12-48 Months; 9-18 Months
Language
First Word; 12-48 Months; 8-23 Months
Two-Word Phrases; 2-7 Years; 15-32 Months
Personal/Social
Responsive Smile; 1 -5 Months; 1-3 Months
Finger Feeds; 10-24 Months; 7-14 Months
Drinks From Cup; 12-32 Months; 9-17 Months
Uses Spoon; 13-39 Months; 12-20 Months
Bowel Control; 2-7 Years; 16-42 Months
Dresses Self; 3 -8 Years; 3 -5 Years

Just a little brag here, so far O has done everything within the "Typical Range" timeframe! ;)