What you need to know about Down Syndrome

Ravi Prakash Singh

Dimapur, March 22(EMN): The United Nations General Assembly declared March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day from the year 2012. Under Down Syndrome, 21st pair of chromosome of the human body become trisomy i.e. instead of two chromosomes, there are three. Therefore 21/03 was decided as World Down Syndrome Day. Due to this anomaly, the total number of chromosomes in the body becomes 47 instead of 46.

Due to the lack of awareness about Down Syndrome, the rehabilitation of persons affected with the condition become challenging. With advanced medical facilities and rehabilitation services, few people with the disability are able to avail appropriate training and become independent at personal, social and economical levels. However, a very large number of persons with Down Syndrome and their families are struggling to fulfil their basic needs due to the lack of information and rehabilitation facilities.

Prevention of Down Syndrome may be done by consulting a trained doctor during pregnancy and undergoing the diagnostic test as advised by the doctor. At the time of birth, Down Syndrome may be identified by observing physical features of the new born baby such as- flat nose, flat forehead, protruding tongue, rashy skin, short height, very limited and distorted lines on palm and lower side of the feet.

It is very important to train children with Down Syndrome in their activities of daily living such as- toileting, bathing, grooming, dressing, brushing, etc. so that they may become independent in their personal care skills. Once they become an adult, skill training and employment may be given as per their abilities, interest and employment opportunities available in their nearby community. This will develop their self-confidence, reduce dependency and make them a productive member of the society.

Majority of the children with Down Syndrome may range from mild to severe level of intellectual disability. However, many children with it are socially very active. They may like to make social relationships, listen to music, dance, engage in sports, etc. Many athletes with Down Syndrome have won medals at international level in events like Special Olympics. It is important to create awareness about the abilities of persons with Down Syndrome within the society. In addition, advocacy and self-advocacy training is required to empower the persons with Down Syndrome and their families.

 In the current scenario, it is important to see whether persons with Down Syndrome are getting benefitted with the latest schemes and provisions made by the state and central government. It is necessary to increase the participation of persons with Down Syndrome in the society, reduce their poverty and provide equal opportunity and access to quality rehabilitation services.