Mental Health

Jan 26

Mental Health and Fitness – Difficulties of Down’s Syndrome

Mental fitness is limited in expectation for those with Down’s Syndrome.

There are many degrees of this problem and its symptoms that include limited intellectual capacity but there are definite physical signs that indicate at birth that a baby has the additional chromosome that evidences Down’s syndrome.

The baby’s face is flat with slit eyes and broad ridge to the nose and the back of the head and neck are flattened. The baby’s body is floppy when handled. The little finger is short and there is only one transverse crease on the palm of the hand instead of the usual three. Congenital defects often exist in the heart and other organs.

As the baby develops it generally becomes obvious that there is mental retardation and slow physical development. However, teen girls may menstruate and may be fertile – which presents a real problem and need for sterilization is considered as a necessary and legitimate control in some cases. Both sexes often display vigorous sexual urges and needs and this can be an embarrassment to carers and family.

The characteristics of temperament are usually recognizable as they are tend to be very affectionate and responsive to care. However this is not always the case with some showing unreasonable aggression. Negative traits of personality can be modified by loving care end encouragement and most have the capacity to perform simple jobs or become skilled in manual tasks.

Life expectancy is usually shorter then normal. Statistics indicate that as many as half the number of people with Down’s syndrome die from physical and other abnormalities after 5 years. If the baby survives its first year then its average life expectancy is 22 years. Over recent years there is much greater understanding of people with Down’s and many children with special care live longer and develop into fine and intelligent citizens. A few grow to take a prominent role in society.

Assisting children who are mentally handicapped by having Down’s syndrome is intensive and demanding. Only loving parents and carers who possess extreme compassion, patience and devotion undertake this responsibility successfully.