Mental Health and Fitness - Down's Syndrome

There is much more understanding nowadays of Down's Syndrome.

Once a baby was born displaying the obvious physical signs, the future for both mother and child was considered to be a difficult one and for the baby, possibly a short one. The life of a person with Down's and the immediate family was burdened with the social stigma associated at one time with this condition for which there is no known cure.

The idea was entrenched that it was caused by the mother becoming pregnant in the later of her childbearing years. However, modern research demonstrates this is not always the case although it is often a factor. The main medical cause is seen to be the additional chromosome that causes distinct physical and mental impediment.

Physically the baby is born with certain characteristics and these of course can range from minor degree to extreme in flatness of the face and back of the head, slanted slit eyes, and the hands showing unusually small little finger and only one transverse hand crease instead of the normal three main creases. The muscular tone is missing and often the body is too relaxed, and the heart muscle and other organs also can show defect.

The condition is a total one involving the brain and body with slowness or retardation of both intellectual capacity and physical development. These can be improved and to a varying degree depending upon the care that follows up to and beyond puberty when sexual instinct is usually strong. This can cause additional problems and embarrassment to family or those caring for them. However so much is dependent upon the special care and education the child receives from the mother in particular.

Encouragement is given to Down's patients staying within the family home and engaging in family life as much as possible. Most babies develop very loving and affectionate personalities but there are also extremely difficult cases of aggressive nature which can be modified when they become involved in some positive creative craft skills or have a chance to develop their talents.

Assisting children who are mentally handicapped by having Down's syndrome is intensive and demanding. Only loving parents and carers who possess extreme compassion, patience and devotion undertake this responsibility successfully and can balance their duties and sacrifices with their own personal needs in life.

Usually life expectancy is shorter than normal but many children who have enjoyed special care and are accepted into an appropriate simple lifestyle can live happily and overcome many limitations to develop into fine and intelligent citizens.

Sally Janssen is a writer and educator who from an early age trained in Raja Yoga--that branch of the ancient science that deals with the mind and its complexities. She subsequently gained an international reputation for her skills and her wisdom in the training of the mind.