Diagnosis
Down Syndrome is usually diagnosed before or shortly after birth. Down Syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome 21 and is most immediately visible by the distinct physical traits that characterize it. Some characteristics include: a flat facial profile, short neck, flattened nose, small ears and mouth, upward slant of the eyes, small broad hands with short fingers, decreased muscle tone, and a deep crease in the palm of the hand. Once the doctor notices these traits, a karyotype will be taken to confirm the diagnosis. Another trait that becomes more noticeable later is that individuals with Down Syndrome are mentally retarded. Visit the first link at the bottom of this page for recommendations regarding health care for individuals with Down Syndrome. There you can find recommendations on tests and evaluations to be performed at each age.
Parent and child rights
As a parent you should know that your child has the right to free special services in their school. This is done in the form of an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Parents can attend all IEP meetings as well as request a meeting to review and revise their child's IEP. These meetings set yearly goals for the student as well as outlines any kind of support or accommodations the student may need to be successful. Once the child reaches middle school and high school they have the right to attend meetings as well.
Once a person with Down Syndrome is ready to enter the workplace, it is important to know that you do have certain rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Companies can not turn down qualified applicants due to a disability. Companies who employ more than 15 people must provide accommodations to qualified applicants to complete an application as well as to perform his or her duties for the job.
Once a person with Down Syndrome is ready to enter the workplace, it is important to know that you do have certain rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Companies can not turn down qualified applicants due to a disability. Companies who employ more than 15 people must provide accommodations to qualified applicants to complete an application as well as to perform his or her duties for the job.
Useful links
Healthcare Guidelines for Individuals with Down Syndrome: http://www.ds-health.com/health99.htm
Parents Advocates: http://www.downsyndromealabama.org/content.asp?id=560040
Parenting a Child with Down Syndrome: http://children.webmd.com/parenting-child-downs-syndrome
Down Syndrome for New Parents: http://downsyn.com/index.php
A New Parent Guide to Down Syndrome: http://noahsdad.com/new-parent-guide/
National Down Syndrome Society: http://www.ndss.org/
Down Syndrome Support Group - Daily Strength: http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Down-Syndrome/support-group
Down Syndrome Footprint: http://downsyndromefootprint.org/about_us.html
Parents Advocates: http://www.downsyndromealabama.org/content.asp?id=560040
Parenting a Child with Down Syndrome: http://children.webmd.com/parenting-child-downs-syndrome
Down Syndrome for New Parents: http://downsyn.com/index.php
A New Parent Guide to Down Syndrome: http://noahsdad.com/new-parent-guide/
National Down Syndrome Society: http://www.ndss.org/
Down Syndrome Support Group - Daily Strength: http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Down-Syndrome/support-group
Down Syndrome Footprint: http://downsyndromefootprint.org/about_us.html