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Health and development in Down’s syndrome

Many people with Down's syndrome enjoy a healthy life, and a lifespan of 40-60 years is not unusual.

Certain medical conditions are more common in people with Down's syndrome. For example:

• 40% have heart problems at birth, half of which are serious and require surgery
• More than half of children with Down's syndrome have significant hearing problems and problems with vision are even more common
• It is likely that up to 30% of people with Down's syndrome may develop thyroid disease
• There is now increasing evidence of a greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (senile dementia) and sometimes at as young an age as 30
• More minor complaints, such as dry skin and coughs and colds, are also more common

It is not inevitable that people with Down's syndrome are unwell - they can be very well, and the right to be healthy should not be influenced by the fact that they have Down's syndrome.

Growth and development:

The average height of a child or adult with Down's syndrome is less than that of the rest of the population. They can also gain weight with ease, though a controlled diet and regular exercise will prevent this. Because of this altered growth pattern, special charts are now available to accurately monitor the child's growth.

Their bodies mature in the same way, however, and they too will reach puberty in their early teens.

People with Down's syndrome can gain physical and mental skills throughout their lives. The ability level of children and adults with Down's syndrome varies considerably, but the average rate of progress is slower than in ordinary people. It is more likely therefore that they will:

• Sit alone at six to 30 months rather than five to nine months like their ordinary peers
• Walk at one to four years rather that nine to 18 months
• Say their first word at one to three years rather than ten to 23 months
• Be toilet trained by two to seven years rather than one to three years

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