Can people with Down syndrome become smart?
Julia Kinder (JK): The biggest misconceptions are that people with Down syndrome cannot learn or understand, and that they have low intelligence. I.Q. scores for people with Down syndrome vary, with the average cognitive delays being mild to moderate, not severe. In fact, normal intelligence is possible.
Is there any treatment available for Down syndrome?
There is no single, standard treatment for Down syndrome. Treatments are based on each individual’s physical and intellectual needs as well as his or her personal strengths and limitations. People with Down syndrome can receive proper care while living at home and in the community.
Can Down syndrome be improved?
Down syndrome cannot be cured. Early treatment programs can help improve skills. They may include speech, physical, occupational, and/or educational therapy. With support and treatment, many people with Down syndrome live happy, productive lives.
What are some things that can increase your chances of having a child with Down syndrome?
Risk factors include: Advancing maternal age. A woman’s chances of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome increase with age because older eggs have a greater risk of improper chromosome division. A woman’s risk of conceiving a child with Down syndrome increases after 35 years of age.
Can 2 Down syndrome have a normal baby?
Most men with Down syndrome cannot father a child. In any pregnancy, a woman with Down syndrome has a 1 in 2 chance of conceiving a child with Down syndrome. Many of the pregnancies are miscarried.
Can a syndrome be cured?
Because Down syndrome is the result of a genetic anomaly, a cure is not possible at this time. While stories occasionally pop up about alleged gene therapy providing a cure, research is typically focused on addressing specific health concerns associated with Down syndrome.
What is the best treatment for Down syndrome?
Therapies for Down Syndrome
- Speech-language Therapy. Speech-language therapy addresses communication and language skills by focusing on articulation, cognitive skills, and strengthening the oral muscles (tongue, lips).
- Physical Therapy.
- Occupational Therapy.
- Assistive Technology.
- Special Education.
Why Can Down syndrome not be cured?
Can folic acid prevent Down syndrome?
A new study suggests there might be a link between the Down syndrome and neural tube defects, and folic acid supplements may be an effective way to prevent both. Neural tube defects are caused by the abnormal development of the brain and spinal cord during early pregnancy.
How can you reduce the risk of Down syndrome?
Down syndrome can’t be prevented, but parents can take steps that may reduce the risk. The older the mother, the higher the risk of having a baby with Down syndrome. Women can reduce the risk of Down syndrome by giving birth before age 35.
Is IQ important to people with Down syndrome?
Many people and most us who know people with Down Syndrome find the notion of IQ a little silly. IQ really measures nothing of any particular importance. IQ tests are population and culturally dependent. Does IQ predict success in the world? In life? Nope.
How can early intervention improve outcomes for children with Down syndrome?
Research indicates that early intervention improves outcomes for children with Down syndrome. This assistance can begin shortly after birth and often continues until a child reaches age 3. After that age, most children receive interventions and treatment through their local school district.
When can my child with Down syndrome get help with school?
This assistance can begin shortly after birth and often continues until a child reaches age 3. After that age, most children receive interventions and treatment through their local school district. Most children with Down syndrome are eligible for free, appropriate public education under federal law.
Can you have a high IQ and have a learning disability?
And mind you, people with higher IQs and syndromes that normally lower IQ still often have learning disabilities or developmental disabilities, just not intellectual disabilities. Not always, but often.) All of the Down Syndrome students I worked with had an IQ of between 50 and 70.