Down Syndrome, a genetic condition, causes physical abnormalities, such as slanted eyes or flattened facial features. Children with Down syndrome may experience prejudice because people are unsure how to react to these unique abnormalities. These are just some of the common physical features.
Many people are familiar with the telltale signs of Down syndrome -- an apparent developmental delay, hearing difficulties, and eye vision problems. These kids may also develop physical symptoms that become more apparent as they grow older, such as facial or body changes. Teachers should be aware that these physical symptoms do not cause any physical or mental problems.
Many people first recognize Down syndrome in children by several facial characteristics. These characteristics include:
- A flattened, undefined face. Their face--and their facial features--are flatter compared to other kids, including their nose and their eye structure. They rarely have deep eye creases or prominent noses. Instead, their noses are short and round, and their faces have no cheekbone definition. Their faces usually do not have any depth.
- Slanted, sharp eyes. They usually have upward slanting eyes, where the ends of their eyes point upward. Their eyes may look small or squinty.
- Small, sometimes abnormally shaped ears. They have smaller ears which do not grow as they become older. Down syndrome children often have hearing problems.
The physical symptoms of Down syndrome in children also extend to their body development. These characteristics are not as obvious as the child's facial features, however.
Some of the body abnormalities that occur in kids include:
- Very flexible joints and loose ligaments. They may be able to move their bodies in ways typical humans cannot. They may not also have proper muscle tone compared to other children, which limits their physical development. They may not be able to participate in sports or move in ways other kids can.
- Small hands or feet. Compared to other kids, the other most recognizable physical symptom of Downs syndrome are abnormally small hands or feet. It is hard to recognize until the child is older and more developed, however.
Children with Down syndrome face mental and physical difficulties, including delayed motor development and slowed mental development, but they can combat it with therapy and plenty of support. Support, understanding, and help provided by special education teachers, parents, and doctors can help children with Down syndrome adapt to the world with relative ease. Their differences should be celebrated, not shunned.