The problems can be experienced by any child, but are more common in those with DS. However, many children with DS do not experience most of these difficulties. Most pre-school children are prone to coughs, colds and ear infections. Children with DS are especially so, because of their relatively narrow ear and nasal passages. A healthy and fulfilling lifestyle can often be achieved through appropriate care, but DS cannot be cured. Various therapies make claims to a cure or at least dramatic improvement

The genetic material, known as genes, carries the codes responsible for all our inherited characteristics. Genes are grouped along rod-like structures called chromosomes. Normally, the nucleus of each cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, half of which are inherited from each parent. In individuals with Down syndrome, however, the cells usually contain 47, not 46, chromosomes; the extra chromosome is the 21st. This excess genetic material, in the form of additional genes along chromosome 21, results in Down syndrome. The extra 21st chromosome is detected by using a procedure called a karyotype

Children with autism often have difficulty letting others know what they want or need until they are taught how to communicate through speech, gestures or other means. Many children with autism need and demand absolute consistency in their environment. Young children with autism tend to be delayed in babbling, speaking and learning to use gestures. Some infants who later develop autism coo and babble during the first few months of life before losing these communicative behaviours. Others experience significant language delays and don’t begin to speak until much later. With therapy, however, most people with autism do learn to use spoken language and all can learn to communicate.

The most striking aspect of autism is often the difficulties with reciprocal, social interaction. Even from a very early age, the infant may have difficulties using and understanding eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, intonation, etc, while in contact with other persons. Many children with autism show no social or emotional reciprocity and do not spontaneously share their joys with their parents nor seek them out for comfort. Children with autism are not always interested in children of the same age, but even if they are, they usually have difficulties is making and keeping friends

Autism itself is not a cause of premature mortality. Rather, research suggests that it relates to many of the medical and mental health conditions in this report, most of which are treatable and some such as obesity, depression and anxiety potentially preventable with greater understanding and support. genetic research is delving into the biological causes of autism-associated health conditions. This is part of a new avenue of autism research aimed at identifying the many biological subtypes of autism and developing personalized treatments and supports.

Cerebral palsy may only be mild and cause only a slight disruption to a person daily life. It can also be more severe, affecting the whole body and may significantly impact how a person participates in daily activities. It is a permanent, but not unchanging, physical disability caused by an injury to the developing brain, usually before birth.

Cerebral palsy itself is not a cause of premature mortality. Rather, research suggests that it relates to many of the medical and mental health conditions in this report, most of which are treatable and some – such as obesity, depression and anxiety – potentially preventable with greater understanding and support. genetic research is delving into the biological causes of autism-associated health conditions. This is part of a new avenue of autism research aimed at identifying the many biological subtypes of autism and developing personalized treatments and supports.

Therapy is often incorporated in an early intervention program which addresses not only the movement problems but aims to optimise the child’s progress in all areas of development the approach to the assessment and management of movement dysfunction in children with neurological dysfunction. The ultimate goal of treatment and management is to maximise the child’s functional ability. the therapy for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy that aims to increase the child’s use of their hemiplegic arm and hand. This therapy approach has developed from studies of the effects of constraining the non-affected arm and hand of adults following stroke to 'force' the use of their hemiplegic arm and hand. The involves constraining a child’s unaffected hand and/or arm for a period of time, usually in a modified glove or mitt, while they are encouraged to use their affected hand and arm in play activities.

People with Down syndrome are at increased risk for certain health problems. While there is an increased risk for certain medical conditions compared to the general population, advances in medicine have rendered most of these health problems treatable and most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives. Congenital heart defects, increased susceptibility to infection, respiratory and hearing problems, obstructed digestive tracts, sleep apnea and childhood leukemia occur with greater frequency in children with Down syndrome. Adults with Down syndrome are also at increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease, thyroid conditions and sleep apnea. The majority of people born with Down syndrome today have an average life expectancy of 55 years, with some living into their seventies.