Down syndrome is a congenital condition caused by an extra chromosome that affects people worldwide. The frequency of Down Syndrome has been increasing in Bangladesh, mainly owing to improved medical diagnostics that allow for early detection.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Down syndrome affects roughly one out of every 800 live births worldwide. Each year, approximately 5,000 children in Bangladesh are born with Down syndrome. This is a significant increase over past years, and addressing the issues raised by this condition is critical.
Emdadul Hoque Epu, a senior speech therapist from Therapies Hub, said: "The arrival of social media enabled people to find anything regarding this and to get the expert aid which was not available decades ago. The Community of Special Children's Parents are also learning and spreading awareness."
He also talked about some signs to look out for, by which anyone can recognize Down syndrome in children:
- Facial features: A flattened facial profile, upward-slanting eyes, a tiny nose, and a projecting tongue are common facial traits in children with Down syndrome.
- Developmental delays: Physical, cognitive, and social developmental delays are common in children with Down syndrome. It may take them longer to accomplish developmental milestones, including sitting, crawling, walking, and speaking.
- Intellectual disability: While the degree of intellectual disability varies, most people with Down syndrome have mild to severe cognitive impairment.
- Low muscle tone: Children with Down syndrome are prone to hypotonia or decreased muscular tone. This can impair their motor skills and coordination, making it more difficult to perform physical activities like walking, running, and holding objects.
- Health issues: Children with Down syndrome are more likely to develop congenital heart defects, hearing loss, vision issues, and thyroid diseases.
Challenges faced by families
A family may face various problems while raising a child with Down syndrome in our country. People are mostly unaware of the disease, which frequently leads to prejudice and social shame. As a result, children with Down syndrome are often excluded from mainstream educational institutions and have limited possibilities for social integration. Furthermore, limited access to healthcare services and therapies aggravates the whole issue.
Why early prevention is necessary
Early diagnosis plays a vital role in managing Down syndrome effectively. By investing in expanding diagnostic facilities and conducting nationwide awareness campaigns, Bangladesh can facilitate early identification of children with Down syndrome.
An early intervention involved with multidisciplinary therapies, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy, can then be provided to assist these children in reaching their full potential. The government, in collaboration with NGOs, should allocate resources to ensure accessible early intervention services across the country.
"If parents are conscious and aware, they can know what lies ahead for their children. Early intervention has already helped many parents to understand the problem of their children, and the children diagnosed with Down syndrome are already in the stages of improvement due to early intervention," said Md Asaduzzaman an Assistant Professor of Proyash Institute of Special Education and Research (Affiliated with Bangladesh University of Professionals).
Inclusive education is a must
Children with Down syndrome must be included in standard educational institutions to develop inclusion in society. Special education programs within conventional schools, with appropriate curricula and skilled teachers, can play an essential role in providing these children with a supportive learning environment. Bangladesh may lessen the stigma associated with Down syndrome by fostering inclusive education, allowing children with the disease to achieve their educational goals.
Employment opportunities and support
Providing work opportunities, vocational training, and assistance to adults with Down syndrome is an essential step toward empowering them as contributing members of society. Encouraging local companies and groups to hire people with disabilities, including those with Down syndrome, can increase their sense of inclusion while providing financial assistance.
Awareness and advocacy
Down syndrome is usually diagnosed through genetic testing, such as chromosomal analysis. It is critical to consult with medical professionals and specialists for an accurate diagnosis and any necessary medical interventions.
Addressing the issues that the Down syndrome community faces in Bangladesh necessitates a diverse approach that includes early intervention, inclusive education, employment possibilities, family assistance, and raising awareness.
A collaborative effort by all stakeholders can provide a brighter future for Down syndrome children in Bangladesh, encouraging them to overcome barriers and contribute to the country's prosperity.
Md Shoeb Adnan is currently working as an audiologist and speech language pathologist, and is
passionate about writing and research for special needs children.
