Down syndrome: Early diagnosis, intervention improve behaviour – Expert

A Therapist, Mrs Rose Mordi, says early diagnosis and  intervention can improve behaviour, skills and intellectual development of children with Down syndrome.

Mordi disclosed this in an interview on Thursday in Lagos.

Down syndrome is a common genetic condition that causes intellectual disability, range of physical and developmental problems and learning challenges.

Down syndrome happens when a child’s cells end up with 47 chromosomes in them instead of the usual 46. Those cells with 47 chromosomes contain an extra chromosome 21. Down syndrome is also called Trisomy 21.

Early recognition, as well as behavioural, educational and family therapies may reduce symptoms and support development and learning.

Mordi, the President, Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN), said; “Early intervention is most helpful and can improve behaviour, skills and intellectual development.

“Although there is no cure for Down syndrome, but early diagnosis and intervention can make a difference.

“Through early intervention services, you can work with health professionals to choose therapy options to treat the child’s symptoms, support the child, improve outcomes for the child and help him reach his full potential.”

She explained that many people with Down syndrome do not have any other health issues, saying that the common conditions include heart problems, and trouble hearing and seeing.

The therapist listed the common physical features of people with Down syndrome to include; slanting up of eyes at the outer corner, small ears, flat noses, protruding tongue, short neck, short stature, small hands and feet.

According to her, people with Down syndrome have some intellectual disability; it can range from quite mild to more severe.

The expert said that people with Down syndrome might also have a range of medical and health conditions, so it is important to have the child’s health checked regularly by health professionals.

“For children with Down syndrome, intellectual disability means some delay in development and some learning difficulty.

“But early intervention, regular health checks and family support can help children with Down syndrome grow up to leave happy, healthy and productive lives,” she said.

The therapist said that screening and diagnostic tests during pregnancy could reveal about a child’s chance of having Down syndrome.

“Screening tests gives you information about how likely it is that a baby has Down syndrome, but these tests do not give a definite answer.

“Diagnostic testing such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis can tell you definitely whether your baby has Down syndrome. Unfortunately, these diagnostic techniques are not yet available in the country.

“Down syndrome can also be diagnosed at birth because there are key physical features that the doctor can see.

“If the doctor thinks a baby has Down syndrome, the doctor will confirm this by giving the baby a blood test,” she said.