What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic condition that can impact a person’s development throughout their life. Down syndrome is one of the most common causes of mild to moderate learning difficulties in the UK and according to the NHS around 775 babies are born with Down syndrome each year in England and Wales.
Down syndrome is a result of an additional copy of the whole or part of chromosome 21, normally within every cell in the human body. This genetic abnormality is present immediately from conception and it can affect the baby during prenatal development, infancy, childhood and right through their adult lives.
Down syndrome is not specific to a particular social, racial or economic background, however it is known that older mothers have a higher chance of having a baby with Down syndrome when compared to younger mothers. However, up to 80% of children with a diagnosis of Down syndrome are born to women younger than 35. Screening for Down syndrome can be performed during pregnancy, however, these screening tests aren’t 100% accurate and cannot guarantee if the baby will have this diagnosis. Therefore, many babies born with Down syndrome are diagnosed after birth as the majority of babies can be identified by the physical characteristics that are related to Down syndrome.
The different types of Down syndrome
There are 3 types of Down syndrome:
- Trisomy 21 (95%)
- Translocation (4%)
- Mosaic (1%)
How Can Brainwave Help?
At Brainwave we feel that children with a diagnosis of Down syndrome benefit from early intervention in order to maximise their potential. Whether your child requires support from physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy or learning development, our therapists have the clinical skills and knowledge to help you and your child.
- Our qualified therapists have the time to explain your child’s condition and their presenting problems.
- We have the time to fully assess your child through play and work around your daily routine.
- Your child’s assessment and Therapy Programme shall be tailored to their individual needs and your daily routine as a family.
- We are your advocate and are always here for support and ongoing care.
- We provide in-depth therapy reports that can be sent to your NHS or private medical professionals, as we believe that working together maximises your child’s outcomes and quality of care.