How does Down syndrome affect the child?
All children with Down syndrome are affected with some degree of mental retardation. The degree of retardation varies widely, although it’s usually in the mild to moderate range. The physical characteristics of the baby are not good indicators of the level of mental retardation. Down syndrome produces characteristic facial features. A child may have eyes that slant upward. Her mouth, nose, and ears may be small. Some children have short necks and small hands with short fingers. Children with Down syndrome generally can achieve most of the major milestones of childhood, such as walking, talking, and using the toilet, although often they do these things later than other children. Special education programs are often recommended, but many Down syndrome children are able to participate with their typical peers in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. Down syndrome often comes with a variety of medical problems, including heart, vision, and hearing difficulties. What treatment is
