Learning your child has Down syndrome can be a deeply emotional experience. It’s natural to have many questions and worries about their future.
Does your child have Down syndrome? You’re not alone. This article dives into everything you need to know, from the symptoms, to treatment options, and support groups available in Singapore. With the right support, children with Down syndrome can reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.
What is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic condition that typically results in some degree of intellectual disability and physical abnormalities. People with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material alters the course of development, leading to the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.
Types of Down Syndrome
Trisomy 21: This is the most common type of Down syndrome, accounting for about 95% of cases. It occurs when an individual inherits a full extra copy of chromosome 21 from one parent.
Translocation Down syndrome: This type of Down syndrome occurs when part of chromosome 21 attaches to another chromosome. This type accounts for about 3% to 4% of Down syndrome cases.
Mosaic Down syndrome: This is the least common type of Down syndrome, accounting for about 1% to 2% of cases. It occurs when some cells in the body have an extra copy of chromosome 21, while other cells do not.
The severity of Down syndrome can vary widely from person to person. Some people with Down syndrome may have mild intellectual disability and few physical problems. Others may have more severe intellectual disability and multiple health problems.
How Do I Know If My Child Has Down Syndrome?
Doctors will perform a physical exam on your baby after birth. They will be looking for some of the common physical features of Down syndrome, such as a flat facial profile, upturned eyes, small ears, a protruding tongue, and a single crease across the palm. It’s important to remember that these features can also be present in babies without Down syndrome, so a physical exam alone cannot confirm a diagnosis.
Here are some of the common physical features of Down syndrome:
- A flattened face and a small nose
- Almond-shaped eyes that slant up at the corners
- Short neck
- Small ears
- A tongue that protrudes slightly from the mouth
- Tiny white spots on the coloured part of the eye (iris)
- Small hands and feet
- A single crease across the palm of the hand (palmar crease)
- Short pinky fingers that may bend in toward the thumb
- Poor muscle tone or loose joints
- Shorter stature than average
Children with Down syndrome may reach developmental milestones like sitting up, crawling, and walking later than other children. However, this can also vary depending on the severity of the condition.
Down syndrome can also be diagnosed through a series of medical tests, as well as prenatal screening tests.
If you are concerned that your child may have Down syndrome, please talk to your doctor.
Kaleidoscope offers early intervention programmes and various diagnostic tests, so that you can understand your child’s individual situation better, and be recommended to the best course of action.
How is Down Syndrome Treated in Singapore?
Down syndrome itself cannot be cured, but there are various treatments and therapies that can significantly improve a person’s life. These interventions focus on helping individuals with Down syndrome reach their full potential, both physically and mentally.
Here’s a breakdown of how Down syndrome is typically addressed:
- Individualised Approach: There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Every person with Down syndrome has unique needs and strengths. Treatment is designed around these individualities.
- Early Intervention: Starting therapies as early as possible is crucial. Early intervention programs provide speech, occupational, and physical therapy to support development. These therapies can greatly enhance a child’s motor skills, communication abilities, and ability to perform daily tasks.
- Educational Support: Children with Down syndrome may benefit from special education programs or individualized educational plans (IEPs) at school. These programs provide the necessary support and modifications to help them succeed in the classroom.
- Medical Care: Regular checkups with a doctor are important to monitor any underlying health conditions associated with Down syndrome. These conditions might require specific medications or therapies.
- Assistive Technologies: Certain devices and tools can improve independence and daily life for people with Down syndrome. For instance, communication boards can aid those with speech difficulties.
Down Syndrome Support Groups in Singapore
In Singapore, families and individuals with Down syndrome have access to a wealth of resources and support through the Down Syndrome Association (Singapore). Here’s a brief overview of what they offer:
- Programs and Services: Offering 17 different programs and services, the association caters to the diverse needs of over 800 members annually. These include Children Education Services, Adult Education Services, Enrichment Programs, and Family Support Services, designed to foster lifelong learning and social integration.
- Resources and Support: A comprehensive range of resources is available, such as information about Down syndrome, a preferred language guide, new parent information, a DSA Medical Passport, and financial assistance information. Additionally, the association organises workshops for parents and caregivers, family bonding events, and the Ukulele caregiver group to enhance parent-child relationships.
- Legal and Advocacy Support: The Down Syndrome Association (Singapore) goes beyond educational and social programs by providing legal, medical, and advocacy support. This includes referrals to other services, parent mentoring, and Deputyship Application Services in collaboration with NUS Pro Bono Office, law students, and MSF doctors, offering pro-bono legal services for deputyship applications.
These initiatives underscore the association’s commitment to developing a supportive and inclusive community for individuals with Down syndrome and their families in Singapore.
Financial and Legal Resources
Navigating the financial and legal landscape can be daunting for families of individuals with Down syndrome in Singapore. Here’s a structured overview to simplify this journey:
- Financial Assistance & Tax Relief:
- DSA Family Support Services offer financial aid, ensuring that families receive the necessary support.
- Donations to the Down Syndrome Association (Singapore) qualify for 250% tax relief, easing the financial burden on donors and supporting the association’s mission.
- Special Needs Trust Company (SNTC) provides trust services, with fees subsidised by up to 100% by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), securing the financial future of loved ones [8].
- Legal and Advocacy Support:
- DSA Family Support Services extend beyond financial assistance, offering legal, medical, and advocacy support. This includes referrals to other services and parent mentoring .
- Families can set up a special needs trust through SNTC, ensuring long-term care with a minimum sum of $5,000.
- Insurance and Long-Term Care:
- A personal accident policy by Income caters specifically to individuals with Down syndrome and their caretakers, covering a range of expenses from outpatient to psychiatric therapy after accidents.
- MediShield Life and CareShield Life offer basic health and long-term care insurance, respectively, providing a safety net for all Singaporeans, including those with special needs
This structured approach aims to provide clarity and support, ensuring families have access to the necessary financial and legal resources.
Conclusion
Through this exploration of the plethora of resources and support systems available in Singapore for families of individuals with Down syndrome, it becomes evident that the journey, while challenging, is not one that needs to be undertaken alone. If you have a child with down syndrome, reach out to us to get the support you need today.
FAQs
What kinds of assistance are available for individuals with Down syndrome?
Individuals with Down syndrome can access a variety of medical support services, including assistance from speech and language therapists to aid with communication, physiotherapists to help with walking and muscle tone, optometrists or hearing specialists for vision and hearing issues, and occupational therapists to support developmental milestones.
What types of services exist for individuals with Down syndrome?
Kaleidoscope offers a wide range of services for individuals with Down syndrome, including early intervention and educational therapy. Research has shown that early intervention can lead to improved outcomes for children with Down syndrome. Reach out to us to find out how we can support your child with down syndrome.
Is there a specific parent responsible for Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is not about parental fault. In over 90% of cases, the additional chromosome 21 is known to originate from the mother. The likelihood of having a child with Down syndrome increases with maternal age, and there is a higher chance of recurrence in younger women.
How can teachers provide support to students with Down syndrome?
Educators can support students with Down syndrome by implementing effective teaching strategies such as recognizing individual strengths, using clear and simple language, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, utilising visual aids, engaging in multisensory learning, reinforcing positive behaviour, establishing consistent classroom routines, and fostering positive interactions among peers.
