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EARLY INTERVENTION

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  EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM As we know the brain elasticity is at its maximum till 6 years of age. Sooner the intervention program starts better would be the outcome. The early intervention program mainly includes; 1.     Physiotherapy: The passive physiotherapy can be started within first 7-10 days of life (Make sure to rule out any medical or other limiting factors). PT is aimed at achieving motor milestones. 2.     Occupational Therapy: OT is all about strengthening smaller muscles of hands. (Can refer the YouTube playlist of Dr. Nina) 3.     Speech therapy: ST mainly involves oromotor exercises. There are simple sensory tools & talking tools available that facilitates development of speech. (Can refer the blog on speech in the same series of blogs) 4.     Sensory integration: SI is utmost important but unknown to most of the therapist. We all learn through our senses. Our senses connect us with the w...
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MEDICAL CHECKLIST

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  MEDICAL CHECKLIST FOR TRISOMY 21 The check list provided here is an adopted version. The details are at the end of the table. In addition to the routine screening mentioned in this table there are two more checkups, 1) Check for the undescended testis in a male child. It should be checked immediately after birth though the remedial part can be decided later on. 2) The chances of developing scoliosis in children with Down syndrome are little higher so look for the early signs and get it checked by an orthopedic surgeon periodically.
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Cough-Cold & a child with DS

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Cough-cold & child with DS Running nose, noisy breathing, disturbed sleep, nasal block, irritability, fever, watering of eyes....I know these are the major concerns of all the parents reading this article. Let us first understand the 'WHY?' Why our children are prone to Respiratory Tract Infection? 1.      Small nose & low nasal bridge leads to smaller & narrower nasal cavity. As there is less space for inhaled air to flow freely, child learns to breathe through mouth. This eventually results in poor clearance of dust particles & germs. High arched palate 2.      Macroglossia (big tongue), high arched palate & weak oral muscles lead to tongue protrusion that further adds to mouth breathing & its disadvantages. Mouth breathing 3.       The disadvantages of mouth breathing are; ·         Dryness of upper respiratory tract: The e...
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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR CHILD WITH DS?

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Why 'Raising the bar'? While going through Down Syndrome awareness program for doctors I prepared many posters and one was 'Raise the bar'.  We all have an ancient habit of drawing lines. If not actual then imaginary. Lines that limit our towns,districts,states,nations... lines that separate one person from another...lines that decide one's limits! All these lines are not actual but are inside us & so vary according to the consciousness within. We are not aware of the power within. We are not aware of the endless potentials lying within. Because of being ignorant of self, we put a bar & decide a limit on our own. We not only stop by limiting our own selves but continue doing the same with others especially our children. Palak, my daughter, has always proved us wrong. She got an inclusive environment since birth & could use her potentials to her fullest when given a chance. Since last 2/3 years, we are constantly asking ourselves "D...
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