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 * Down Syndrome **

-A chromosomal disorder with identifiable physical characteristics resulting in delays in physical and intellectual development (This means that a person has to be born with either too many or too few chromosomes, resulting in down syndrome.)

Characteristics: · Extra flap of skin over the innermost corner of the eye (an epicanthic fold) · A small mouth, which means the tongue may seem big and may stick out. · A flattening at the back of the head. · A flattened nose bridge. · Broad hands with a single crease. · Floppiness due to loose muscle tone. media type="youtube" key="PGIuCmhh5Bw" height="349" width="425" align="right" · Small, low-set ears. · A low birth weight and short stature.

Cognitive problems vary, depending on how soon the disability is identified, and the timing of intervention. Most people with Down syndrome have multiple medical problems. About half of the people diagnosed with Down syndrome have congenital heart problems which makes them 15 to 20 times more likely to have leukemia.

 Facts of Down Syndrome: 1. It is estimated that 80% to 90% of pregnancies are aborted when told that their child will have Down syndrome. 2. The older the woman is, the more likely she is to have a child with Down syndrome. 3. Most babies are diagnosed within only a few days after birth 4. Test can be done during the woman’s first trimester as well as the second to determine if the baby will have it. This can be determined by either a ultrasound or blood test.

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**Parents of Down syndrome children:**

Support: There is a team of people who work together who are there to support families with a Down syndrome family member. Professionals, such as pediatricians, midwives, health visitors, occupational and speech therapists and physiotherapists aid the families. As the child grows up, and enters school, there will be a team there as well. Depending on the severity of the disorder, the general education teacher will work with the special education teacher. Both the teachers will work in a team along with the principle, the parents, and the school psychiatric. These teams will help determine what is best for the child and where the child will benefit most at. Most children with Downs go to a normal, general education school.

Support Networks: It is reported that most parents who join support groups or meet with other parents of a child with Downs, they greatly benefit. Those who attend meetings say that the best advice is from the other parents. Parents will benefit from mutual understandings, and have an easier time of fighting for their child’s benefits in schools and from the government.

The effects on the families: Positive Effects: Most families lead normal lives. 65% to 70% are able to obtain all the resources to make sure that the child and the parents lead happy, normal lives. There is evidence to show that having a child with Downs may even help prevent divorce. Brothers and sisters of the child with Downs have not been reported to have any negative effects either. In fact, families of multiple children report of being less stressed than families with all healthy children. Most families, specifically the parents, cope quickly with the demands of raising a child with Downs. Negative Effects: Of the 30% to 35% who have Down syndrome children, the families report more stress. This stress comes from behavioral issues, inability to cope, or the parents themselves are experiencing health problems.

How parents personality effects situations: **Will have trouble coping--- Will cope quickly** Low self- esteem Extroverted Neuroticism-- Internal Locus of Control Anxiety --Manage Stress well

Coping Strategies **1.Practical--- 2.Emotional** -Active problem solving---Passive And information seeking---And wishful thinking
 * Emotional strategies can lead to extra stress and extreme vulnerability.**

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Parental roles: It is proven that parents who work together to raise a child will both benefit greatly, and neither will become overwhelmed with all the responsibilities. It is proven that unemployment for the father greatly differs from that of the mother. It is shown that fathers who are unemployed could possibly lead the family into poverty, where as the mother who is unemployed has the ability to focus on raising the child, which is a female’s instinct. However, mothers who work outside of the home report being less stressed, and have more life satisfaction.

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Average Cost for families: According to a study done by Washington University in St. Louis, the out of pocket cost of raising a special needs child is different for each state. The most expensive cost, $970, is in Georgia. The least expensive cost, $560, is in Massachusetts. The average cost of all 50 states is $774 per year.

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