This is the story of Abeer, a child born in Abu Dhabi. From her birth, her parents noticed she was a bit different from other children. They had no prior knowledge of Down syndrome, but they observed some signs that prompted them to seek medical advice.
Explore the story of Abeer, a Child with Down Syndrome, and her journey with a pediatric neurologist at KidsHeart Center Abu Dhabi.
Early Symptoms of Down Syndrome
From the moment Abeer was born, her parents noticed some physical features that were different. She had a slightly flattened facial profile, a small nose, and upward-slanting eyes. They also observed a delay in reaching developmental milestones such as sitting and standing. Additionally, Abeer had low muscle tone, making her movements slow and uncoordinated. Concerned, her parents decided to seek the opinion of a medical specialist.
First visit to pediatric neurology
Abeer’s parents decided to take her to Dr. Imad Yassin, a pediatric neurology consultant at KidsHeart Medical Center in Abu Dhabi. During the first visit, Dr. Imad conducted a thorough examination of Abeer. He listened to the parents’ concerns and observed the physical traits they mentioned.
Evaluation and Diagnosis
After the physical examination and careful observation, Dr. Imad recommended several diagnostic tests to confirm her condition. The comprehensive evaluation process included multiple steps to ensure an accurate diagnosis. These steps included:
- Comprehensive Physical Examination: Dr. Imad conducted a detailed physical examination, noting the distinctive physical features of Down syndrome such as the flat facial profile, slanting eyes, and low muscle tone.
- Blood Test for Chromosomal Analysis: A blood sample was taken from Abeer to conduct a chromosomal analysis known as a karyotype. This test detects the presence of an extra chromosome 21.
- Echocardiogram (Heart Ultrasound): Since children with Down syndrome are at higher risk for congenital heart defects, a detailed echocardiogram was performed to check for any heart abnormalities.
Final Diagnosis of Down Syndrome
Upon receiving the test results, Dr. Imad confirmed that Abeer had Down syndrome. He sat down with her parents to explain the results in detail. He assured them that Down syndrome was not the end of the world and that Abeer could lead a fulfilling life with the right care and support.
Treatment and Support Phase
Dr. Imad recommended an early intervention program that included:
- Occupational Therapy: To promote her independence in performing daily activities, such as dressing and eating. The goal of occupational therapy was to enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Speech Therapy: To help Abeer improve her communication skills. This involved exercises to develop both verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Physical Therapy: To improve muscle tone and motor skills. Physical therapy sessions included exercises to enhance strength, flexibility, and coordination.
How to support a child with down syndrome in school?
Early School Years
When Abeer reached school age, the new challenge was to integrate her into an appropriate educational environment. Her parents chose an inclusive school that encouraged mainstream education and provided the necessary support for children with special needs. On the first day, there was noticeable anxiety, but the teachers were well-prepared and understood Abeer’s special requirements.
In the Classroom:
- Individual Support: A teaching assistant was assigned to Abeer to help her navigate through different activities and ensure she understood the educational content.
- Educational Adaptations: Teachers used visual and auditory aids to make lessons more interactive and easier to understand.
- Positive Reinforcement: The school focused on reinforcing positive behaviors and celebrating small achievements, which helped boost Abeer’s confidence.
Social Interaction:
- Encouraging Inclusion: Teachers encouraged other children to play and interact with Abeer, helping to foster social relationships and reduce feelings of isolation.
- Group Activities: Abeer was included in group activities such as arts and music, which contributed to developing her social skills.
Health Considerations
Since children with Down syndrome are at higher risk for certain medical conditions, it was essential to conduct regular health check-ups for Abeer. Dr. Imad emphasized the importance of monitoring overall health and ensuring there were no complications:
- Heart Defects: Conditions like heart defects that required regular follow-ups and potentially surgical intervention.
- Hearing and Vision Problems: Regular screenings to detect and address any issues early.
- Thyroid Problems: Routine thyroid function tests to ensure there were no abnormalities.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions like celiac disease that required early diagnosis and appropriate dietary management.
Psychological and Social Support
Dr. Imad emphasized the importance of psychological and social support for the family, as the mental well-being of the parents and siblings can positively impact the child. He advised the following:
- Support Groups: Joining support groups for families with children with Down syndrome, where they could share experiences and advice.
- Training and Awareness: Participating in workshops and seminars to increase awareness about Down syndrome and how to manage its challenges.
- Rest and Self-care: Ensuring parents took time for rest and self-care to maintain their ability to provide the best care for their child.
Advice for parenting a child with down syndrome
Dr. Imad Yassin offered some essential advice for parenting a Child with Down Syndrome:
- Patience and Understanding: Every child is unique and develops at their own pace. Patience and understanding help achieve better progress.
- Seeking Support: Join support groups and connect with other parents facing similar challenges. Mutual support can be a significant source of strength.
- Education and Awareness: Learn about Down syndrome and how to manage it effectively. Knowledge is power and helps in making informed decisions.
- Collaboration with Specialists: Work with a specialized medical team to develop a treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs. Continuous communication with doctors and therapists ensures the best possible care.
Conclusion
Abeer’s story is a testament to the power of love, determination, and specialized medical support. Thanks to the care of her parents and the medical oversight from Dr. Imad Yassin and the team at KidsHeart Medical Center, Abeer now enjoys a life full of joy and progress. Every Child with Down Syndrome has the potential to thrive if given the right care and support. Let us learn from Abeer’s experience and continue to support our children to reach their full potential.
Further Reading and Resources
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