Down syndrome how is it treated

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC , even with surgery, there can be lifelong complications from AVSD, including a leaky mitral valve, which can cause the heart to work harder than normal.

For this reason, people born with an AVSD have to be followed by a cardiologist heart specialist throughout their lives; if they develop a leaky mitral valve, it may need to be surgically repaired.

For Gastrointestinal Problems. Some babies with Down syndrome are born with a deformity of the duodenum a tube that allows digested food to pass from the stomach into the small bowel called duodenal atresia.

It requires surgery to be repaired but isn't considered an emergency if there are other more pressing medical issues. Duodenal atresia can be dealt with temporarily with a tube placed to decompress swelling in the stomach and intravenous fluids to treat dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that often result from the condition. There is no treatment for Down syndrome itself, but there are conditions associated with Down syndrome that require treatment. Health conditions that affect some people with Down syndrome include heart defects, gastrointestinal tract deformities, thyroid disorders, hearing difficulties, and vision problems.

In addition, early intervention is recommended to address developmental delays and low muscle tone common in babies with Down syndrome.

Yes, Down syndrome is a lifelong condition. It cannot be cured, but with support and therapies, many people with Down syndrome live happy and productive lives. Mosaic Down syndrome is often a less severe form of the genetic condition. Research suggests children with the mosaic variety of the condition tend to have slightly higher IQs than children with typical Down syndrome.

In addition, children with mosaic Down syndrome reach certain milestones, such as crawling and walking independently, earlier than children with other forms of Down syndrome. However, speech delays are common in both groups. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

National Down Syndrome Society. What are common treatments for Down syndrome? Global Down Syndrome Foundation. National Library of Medicine. Duodenal atresia. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus. Down syndrome. Updated November 23, International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association. Mosaic Down syndrome. American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statements. Sept 5, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sept 26, National Institutes of Health. Jan 31, Department of Education. Individuals With Disabilities Education Act. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.

These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis is an option for couples undergoing in vitro fertilization who are at increased risk of passing along certain genetic conditions.

The embryo is tested for genetic abnormalities before it's implanted in the womb. After birth, the initial diagnosis of Down syndrome is often based on the baby's appearance.

But the features associated with Down syndrome can be found in babies without Down syndrome, so your health care provider will likely order a test called a chromosomal karyotype to confirm diagnosis. Using a sample of blood, this test analyzes your child's chromosomes.

If there's an extra chromosome 21 in all or some cells, the diagnosis is Down syndrome. Early intervention for infants and children with Down syndrome can make a major difference in improving their quality of life.

Because each child with Down syndrome is unique, treatment will depend on individual needs. Also, different stages of life may require different services. If your child has Down syndrome, you'll likely rely on a team of specialists that can provide medical care and help him or her develop skills as fully as possible. Depending on your child's particular needs, your team may include some of these experts:. You'll need to make important decisions about your child's treatment and education. Build a team of health care providers, teachers and therapists you trust.

These professionals can help evaluate the resources in your area and explain state and federal programs for children and adults with disabilities. Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. When you learn your child has Down syndrome, you may experience a range of emotions, including anger, fear, worry and sorrow.

You may not know what to expect, and you may worry about your ability to care for a child with a disability. The best antidote for fear and worry is information and support. Expect a bright future. Most people with Down syndrome live with their families or independently, go to mainstream schools, read and write, participate in the community, and have jobs.

People with Down syndrome can live fulfilling lives. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. A variety of therapies can be used in early intervention programs and throughout a person's life to promote the greatest possible development, independence, and productivity. Some of these therapies are listed below.

Some people with Down syndrome take amino acid supplements or drugs that affect their brain activity. However, many of the recent clinical trials of these treatments were poorly controlled and revealed adverse effects from these treatments.

Since then, newer psychoactive drugs that are much more specific have been developed. No controlled clinical studies of these medications for Down syndrome have demonstrated their safety and efficacy, however. Many studies of drugs to treat symptoms of dementia in Down syndrome have included only a few participants. The results of these studies have not shown clear benefits of these drugs, either. More and more often, interventions for children with Down syndrome involve assistive devices—any type of material, equipment, tool, or technology that enhances learning or makes tasks easier to complete.

Examples include amplification devices for hearing problems, bands that help with movement, special pencils to make writing easier, touchscreen computers, and computers with large-letter keyboards.

Parents and families of children with Down syndrome can connect with other families and people with Down syndrome from around the world to learn more and share information.

The following information may be helpful for those considering educational assistance programs for a child with Down syndrome: The child must have certain cognitive or learning deficits to be eligible for free special education programs.

Parents can contact a local school principal or special education coordinator to learn how to have a child examined to see if he or she qualifies for services under the IDEA.

If a child qualifies for special services, a team of people will work together to design an Individualized Educational Plan IEP for the child.

The team may include parents or caregivers, teachers, a school psychologist, and other specialists in child development or education. The IEP includes specific learning goals for that child, based on his or her needs and capabilities.

The team also decides how best to carry out the IEP. Children with Down syndrome may attend a school for children with special needs.

Parents may have a choice between a school where most of the children do not have disabilities and one for children with special needs. Educators and health care providers can help families with the decision about what environment is best.