Since Down syndrome affects people in various ways, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to care. But doctors do know that the more likely they are to live up to their full potential, depends on the sooner kids get treatment. From crawling and walking to communicating and learning how to be social, your child can need support in various ways. In school, they will also need extra care. And they may have medical conditions that require treatment on a daily basis. In children with Down syndrome, certain health issues are more common. Many kids may not have them, but you may need care for:
Hearing loss
Many Down syndrome children have hearing loss in one or both ears. As a result, your child is likely to have frequent trips to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist to resolve any concerns early on. The fluid build-up in the ears often causes hearing issues.
Sight Issues
Eyesight issues are also common. Your child will be examined by an eye doctor on a regular basis and will require glasses, surgery, or other medication. Keeping up with ear and eye exams is crucial because seeing and hearing issues can lead to learning and speaking delays.
Heart problems
Approximately half of the children born with Down syndrome have a problem with either their heart shape or how it functions. Some cases are more severe and require surgery than others. Your child may need to take the medication in other situations.
