Introduction to the 2nd Edition

Babies and young children with Down's syndrome have just the same needs as any child. You should follow all the advice in the PCHR. Take your baby for routine child health checks in the usual way. Make sure he/she has the usual immunisations. You will find information about this in the immunisations section in the PCHR. In addition it may be appropriate for some children with Down's syndrome to have additional immunisations. You can discuss this with your paediatrician.

There is no such thing as a typical child with Down's syndrome. Children with the syndrome are as different from each other as are all children. However, by and large, their development is slower than that of most children. The next page gives the usual developmental progress of children with the syndrome. By understanding what is usual for a child with Down's syndrome you will be able to recognise any additional problems at an early stage. If your PCHR has pages on which to record developmental 'firsts' you can use these in just the same way as for any child.

It is not possible in this small booklet to cover all topics relevant to your child's health and well being. Your local healthcare team, or one of the agencies listed on page 9 will be able to provide more information.

If you would like to read more about the syndrome we recommend:
'Down Syndrome: The Facts' by Mark Selikowitz.
Published Oxford University Press 1997.
Price £8.99 ISBN 019 262662 0.

From PCHR Insert for babies born with Down's syndrome 2000 © Down's Syndrome Medical Interest Group 2000

• This page is also available in PDF format

Other extracts

• Child Development
• Suggested Schedule of Health Checks

Also available

• About the Insert
• Order Form

Home | What's New | Medical Library | DSMIG Information Resources | Book Reviews | Parent Resources | Links
About DSMIG | Noticeboard | Roadshows | Support Our Work | Contact Us