Children grow and reach milestones at different rates. Some children are unfortunately born with conditions that prevent them from growing normally and reaching expected developmental milestones. Various genetic conditions result in significant developmental delays. All children, despite their medical history deserve to grow in an environment that encourages normal growth and development.
Down Syndrome
Down syndrome, according to the National Institute of Health, NIH, is a chromosomal condition that most often results in three copies of the chromosome 21 instead of the normal two copies. In Down syndrome, the degree of intellectual disability will vary but usually ranges from mild to moderate. The NIH states that Down syndrome occur in 1 out of every 740 births. Hearing and vision problems also commonly occur.
Sotos Syndrome
Children and adults with Soto syndrome have learning disabilities and delayed development. This syndrome develops in 1 in 10,000 to 14,000 newborns, according to the NIH. The cause is mutations in the NSD1 gene which gives instructions for making the protein responsible for normal growth and development notes the National Institute of Health website. This website also notes that approximately 95% of the people who develop this syndrome have no family history of the defect.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy results from abnormalities in the brain that impede the brain's ability to control movement and posture, notes the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NINDS. The damage to the brain can occur before, during or after birth. According to the NINDS, infants who have cerebral palsy are slow to reach some of the early developmental milestones such as rolling over, crawling, sitting and walking. They also note that the signs of cerebral palsy are usually apparent by the time a child reaches his third birthday. Risk factors for cerebral palsy include low birth weight, premature birth, infections during pregnancy and difficulty at the time of delivery. Cerebral palsy related to genetic disorders is not preventable, however there are some things that can prevent congenital cerebral palsy, noted the NINDS. They include, keeping vaccinations up-to-date during pregnancy, close monitoring during delivery, and preventing head injury in infants and children by using a car seat. Helmet use by children riding bikes and supervising young children while they play near water are additional safe practices.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Children born to mothers who drank alcohol during pregnancy may show signs of behavioral and learning problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these children will have height and weight problems as well as a smaller than normal head size. Their coordination and muscle control is poor and during infancy these babies will have trouble sucking. A low IQ and difficulty grasping concepts is not uncommon.
References
- National Institute of Health: Genetics Home Reference: Down Syndrome
- National Institute of Health: Genetics Home Reference: Sotos Syndrome
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Cerecral Palsy: Hope Through Research
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
