How does Down syndrome affect a childs development?
Children with Down syndrome are usually smaller and their physical and mental development is usually slower. Their mental capacity ranges from no mental retardation to severely mentally retarded. Most children fall in the mild to moderate range of retardation. (The term “retardation” simply means slower, although it typically has such a negative conotation.) A caring and enriching home environment, early intervention, and integrated education efforts are shown to have a dramatic positive effect on a child with Down syndromes development. What causes Down syndrome? There are many theories on what causes Down syndrome. However, none of these theories have been proven. They include: hormonal abnormalities, X-rays, viral infections, immunology problems, or genetic predisposition, which may be the cause of the improper cell division resulting in Down syndrome. The physical features observed in children with Down syndrome usually do not cause any disability in the child. What health problems
