Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes intellectual disability, which is a level of mental impairment that affects the ability to learn and use abstract reasoning. About 70 percent of people with Down syndrome have some degree of heart defect, according to the National Institutes of Health. This can lead to problems like shortness of breath, abnormal heart rhythms and infections. Some children also have vision issues that require glasses or contact lenses to correct poor vision or prevent further loss of sight as they age. Early intervention programs are designed to help children with Down syndrome achieve the highest level of development possible by teaching them important skills such as communication, social interaction, motor skills and self-care tasks like eating independently.

Down syndrome causes developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that affects about 1 in every 700 babies born in the United States. The extra copy of chromosome 21 causes intellectual disability, characteristic physical features, and delayed development.

It's important to know that Down syndrome is not a disease but rather a chromosomal condition or an extra copy of chromosome 21. As with all people with Down syndrome, your child will have unique abilities and challenges. There are many ways to help make life easier for your son or daughter with Down syndrome as they grow older.

Treatment of Down syndrome is based upon the symptoms present in each person.

Treatment of Down syndrome is based upon the symptoms present in each person. Treatment can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and education. In some cases medication may be prescribed to improve or relieve symptoms. The type and amount of treatment depends on the individual’s age and level of development.

Regular health exams can help identify health issues that require treatment early.

• Make sure to schedule regular visits with your doctor.

• Prepare for a visit by writing down any symptoms before you go, as well as questions you have about your child's health and development.

• You may be asked to fill out paperwork before the appointment begins; this will help the doctor know what information is important for them to ask about during their visit with your child.

• Ask questions throughout the appointment so that you understand what's being discussed, rather than waiting until afterwards when it's too late to ask again or get a clear answer.

Early intervention programs are designed to help children with Down syndrome achieve the highest level of development and quality of life possible.

Early intervention programs are designed to help children with Down syndrome achieve the highest level of development and quality of life possible. Parents should enroll their child in an early intervention program as soon as they suspect that he or she has Down syndrome.

Most people with Down syndrome lead healthy, productive lives. But there are certain health risks associated with this condition, some of which — like heart defects — need to be addressed at birth. Others may not become apparent until later in life.

Most people with Down syndrome lead healthy, productive lives. But there are certain health risks associated with this condition, some of which — like heart defects — need to be addressed at birth. Others may not become apparent until later in life.

If you have a child with Down syndrome, regular health exams will help identify any potential issues that require treatment early on. That's why it's important for your doctor to know about your child's condition before they're born: The earlier a problem is caught, the easier it is to treat successfully and avoid future complications (such as hearing loss).

Early intervention programs are designed to help children with Down syndrome achieve the highest level of development and quality of life possible.

Seek support from other families who have a member with Down syndrome (and/or other disabilities). Their experiences may help you learn how to handle challenges and take advantage of opportunities in caring for your child.

It is important to seek support from other families who have a member with Down syndrome (and/or other disabilities). Their experiences may help you learn how to handle challenges and take advantage of opportunities in caring for your child.

There are many ways that you can find this kind of help. You can:

• Look online for local support groups that meet in person or via the Internet, such as Facebook groups or email listservs.

• Ask your doctor about support groups that may be available at hospitals or clinics in your area, such as those associated with universities and medical centers.

• Contact one of the national organizations listed above (such as JDRF) if there isn't an organization near where you live that provides information about local resources and support groups; sometimes these organizations provide referrals based on zip code so it's worth trying out even if everything else fails!

Talk to your child's doctor about any concerns you have about your child's development or medical care.

Talk to your child’s doctor about any concerns you have about your child's development or medical care. Do not be afraid to ask for a second opinion, more tests and referrals to specialists. The more information you are armed with, the better prepared you will be in caring for your child.

With proper care, most people with Down syndrome live full, active lives.

With proper care, most people with Down syndrome live full, active lives.

• Early intervention is vital to providing your child with the best possible foundation for future learning. This may include physical therapy to help build gross motor skills like walking, speech and language therapy to help expand communication skills, and special education programs in school that can prepare your child for future academic success.

• Regular health exams are important throughout childhood so that any signs of illness can be caught early on.

• Support from other families who have children with Down syndrome is crucial in helping you feel less alone and more confident about taking care of your child's needs. You should also talk regularly with a doctor who knows about caring for people with Down syndrome as well as what resources are available near where you live or work.*

Down syndrome is a lifelong condition that may require ongoing care and support. However, with the right treatment, most people with Down syndrome lead healthy, productive lives.