Supporting People with Down Syndrome
According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of Down syndrome is approximately one in every 1,000 births worldwide. Low life expectancy, abuse, stigma, segregation, and limited life opportunities are common problems for people with Down syndrome in Africa, both as children and as adults. Because of the negative attitudes in society, they are unable to live fulfilling lives and make a positive contribution to society.
Living with Down Syndrome
People with Down syndrome are born with an extra chromosome due to a genetic condition. When a person is diagnosed with Down syndrome, their cells contain 47 total chromosomes instead of 46 because they have an extra copy of chromosome 21. They may experience difficulties with their mental and physical development as a result of this extra copy, which alters how their body and brain develop.
People with Down syndrome are from all races and socioeconomic backgrounds, and they are vulnerable to discrimination and stigma. Those with Down syndrome are frequently left without proper care in African communities, where differently-abled and intellectually challenged people are frequently maltreated and abused.
Long-held cultural and religious beliefs have hampered most African communities’ ability to fully accept those born with this genetic condition, and more awareness and advocacy are needed to change these beliefs. Unfortunately, funding for Down syndrome-specific research, advocacy, and educational programs is also limited.
Facts About Down Syndrome
1. Down syndrome patients have mild to moderate intellectual impairment.
2. Down syndrome is not caused by age, race, religion, or socioeconomic status.
3. Down syndrome affects approximately one in every 1,000 babies born in developed countries and one in every 650 babies born in developing countries.
4. 80% of Down syndrome children are born to mothers under the age of 35, though women over the age of 35 are more likely to have a child with Down syndrome.
5. Children with Down syndrome can attend regular schools and participate in regular academic programs.
6. Although there is no cure for Down syndrome, people with this condition benefit from loving homes, appropriate medical care, early intervention, and educational and vocational services.
7. Because of advances in medical care, most people with Down syndrome have a life expectancy of about 55 years.
Risk Factors for Down Syndrome
Anyone can be impacted by down syndrome. It is a genetic condition that is unrelated to anything the parents did prior to or during pregnancy. Most cases of Down syndrome are random occurrences (sporadically). When the egg and sperm combine during conception, people typically do not inherit Down syndrome in an autosomal dominant or recessive pattern.
According to studies, as the birthing parent gets older, there is a higher chance of having a child with Down syndrome. Women who are 35 years or older are more likely to have a child with a genetic disorder like Down syndrome. Most babies with Down syndrome are born to people under 35 due to younger women’s higher fertility rates.
Challenges of Living with Down Syndrome
Down syndrome results in varying degrees of physical and intellectual disability as well as related health problems. As a result, Down syndrome sufferers sometimes need assistance. Like everyone else, they are capable of leading fulfilling lives and making positive contributions to society.
They are not given a chance to do this because of the negative attitudes toward Down syndrome in African nations; instead, they encounter ongoing obstacles. Through charities, our project will help these people overcome obstacles.
Conclusion
Down syndrome is the most frequent chromosomal disorder in people and the most widely recognized chromosomal disorder in terms of intellectual disability. People with Down syndrome can improve their quality of life by meeting their healthcare needs, which include regular check-ups with health professionals to monitor their mental and physical conditions and provide timely intervention, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, counseling, or special education.
Individuals with Down syndrome can achieve the best possible quality of life by receiving parental care and support, medical guidance, and community-based support systems such as inclusive education at all levels. This allows them to participate in mainstream society and realize their full potential.