As an expecting mother, please be sure to keep all doctor’s appointments, take all prenatal vitamins and dietary supplements, and be absolutely certain to begin taking care of your child from the moment you find out you’re pregnant. Prenatal care is essential for any expecting mother. Down Syndrome, as a primary concern for pregnant women over the age of 35, or for women genetically predisposed to give birth to a child with this condition, can sometimes be detected as early as the first trimester. Please see your doctor regularly and as soon as possible for an ultrasound.

Although there is not much that advanced medicine, as of yet, can do to prevent this troubling disease, there are ways a woman can prepare herself and her family to care for a child with Down Syndrome. This, of course, applies to many pregnancies and potential birth defects, such as Trisomy-18 and other chromosomal abnormalities that may occur. Taking care of yourself while you are pregnant is the most important thing you can do.

Any pregnancy is important, and many variables are certainly worth attending to during those crucial months before your child is born. Whether it has already been determined that yours is a high-risk pregnancy, or if you may possibly be a high-risk pregnancy, even if (as far as you know) you and your baby are in perfect health, medical attention is essential from the earliest possible point in your pregnancy.

One very important thing to do, in addition to all other prenatal care, is to have an ultra-screen done in your first trimester. An ultra-screen is a procedure that has been extensively studied. Screening is recommended for all pregnant patients, not just women over the age of 35. Of all Down Syndrome pregnancies, 91 percent can be detected by use of an ultra-screen in the first trimester. There is, however, a five percent chance of getting a false-positive result, therefore, if the first ultra screen is positive, reschedule another to be sure. If the screening detects a Trisomy-18 defect it is likely to be accurate. The false-positive rate on the ultra screen for Trisomy-18 is more like one percent. The ultra screen can detect, incredibly early, the chances of Trisomy-18 with up to 98 percent accuracy.

So, some of you eager expecting mothers are probably wondering, how exactly is the ultra-screen test performed? A combination ultrasound and blood test are keys to this procedure and the accuracy of its results. According to experts who routinely use the equipment, “the test begins with an ultrasound examination between 11w1d and 13w6d gestation.” The CRL needs to be between 45 and 84 mm. CRL is measured for accurate pregnancy dating (i.e. the date of conception) and nuchal translucency (NT) is measured as well before the procedure can be performed. NT is a specific marker for chromosomal aneuploidy which can be detected by this procedure. At the time of the ultrasound exam, the doctors will collect a dried blood sample via fingerstick.

Along with the dried blood sample taken, the ultrasound data is entered onto the test requisition form and sent to laboratories for complete analysis. The blood sample is screened for free Beta HCG and Plasma Protein A(PAPP-A), a pregnancy-associated plasma protein. The risk for Down Syndrome in the fetus as well as the risk for Trisomy-18 are calculated based on the patent’s age, the nuchal translucency, as well as the freebeta and PAPP-A. Despite the medical jargon that is sometimes difficult to get around, get the ultra-screen in your first trimester, and ask your doctor specific questions no matter how much you don’t understand. The number one objective is to understand as much as you possibly can when it comes to your unborn child.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background also includes health and fitness. For more of her useful articles on pregnancy and breastfeeding, please visit Breast Pumps, supplier of breastfeeding information and supplies.

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Getting a positive result on a pregnancy test can be one of the most exciting times in the life of a young woman. After going to the doctor for confirmation, many women change their lives drastically, they eat better, they avoid alcohol and caffeine, and increase their activity to prevent problems not only with their own bodies, but for the life of their future child as well. The first sonogram showing the baby’s heartbeat, then finding his little toes and fingers on the pictures. Feeling him move and kick inside can be a magical experience shared by all mothers. But, what happens when your child is not born as perfect as he was when you were pregnant?

Many mothers have the heartbreaking experience of dealing with a child that received brain damage during birth, resulting in a child with Cerebral Palsy for the rest of his life. Cerebral Palsy is still a bit of an umbrella term encompassing non-progressive disorders involving the lack of movement or speech because of injury to the brain. While Cerebral Palsy is not restrictive to developing at birth, it is common for mothers of children with Cerebral Palsy to recount their perfectly normal pregnancies.

Depending on the area of the brain that is affected, children with Cerebral Palsy can be challenged with walking with a cane, and otherwise leading a normal life, or can be wheelchair bound and not speak their entire lives. For children with the most severe Cerebral Palsy, there will never be a first word, or first step. They are not developmentally challenged, they will have full comprehension of the language of their families and most children develop their own forms of communication with those they interact with.

There are three types of Cerebral Palsy, spastic, which is the most common kind, the child cannot relax his or her muscle, athetoid, where the child will be unable to control his or her muscles, and ataxic where the child will primarily struggle with balance and coordination. No matter the type of Cerebral Palsy, the condition will not worsen as the child ages.

Parent s of children with Cerebral Palsy will need to seek therapy for their child from very early infancy in order to prevent any physical complication in growth of bones. While the care is emotionally and financially taxing, a child with Cerebral Palsy can provide a fulfilling experience as a parent.

If you would like more information on Cerebral Palsy or other birth injuries, visit the Birth Injury resource site of http://www.birth-injurylawyers.com

Joseph Devine

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Both children and adults can be affected by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or what they commonly call as ADHD. This condition affects individuals who in turn will show a number of symptoms including hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. However, in terms of fighting against symptoms of ADHD, a lot of solutions are available for anyone to consider.

First and foremost, guardians of ADHD sufferers must learn how important it is to teach a child, for instance, how to create habits. Developing habits is no easy thing, so you must guide your patient throughout the process.

When creating habits, see to it that you allow your patient to develop the ones that yield productive results. This is necessary as it helps to reduce stress on the part of the patient. As soon as stress is eliminated, the symptoms of ADHD will start to lessen, making the condition less frustrating. A perfect example of developing habits is to help the ADHD sufferer find appropriate areas where things that are constantly used, like books and toys, can be kept. Organizing things in appropriate places is the main point here.

Since ADHD sufferers find the ideas of planning and organizing difficult, finding a lot of lists scattered all over the house is possible. With this, try to teach the importance of order and maintenance. Having a lot of lists will only worsen the case. So, to help children or adults suffering from the condition, make a single list that contains everything that is needed. This will help your patient find or keep track the things that she needs to do in a particular time or day.

Other than organizing, maintenance, and order, finding an area that promotes studying can also help ADHD sufferers. The primary step to do here is to find a place that is quiet and conducive for learning. Allow your patient to stay there while doing all of his or her tasks. Keeping him or her at this kind of place will prevent the patient from distractible elements. Buying a white noise machine would be best, but only for those who have the budget to afford it. This machine is designed basically to eliminate any kind of noise, thus keeping any form of interruption out.

While these moves can be great enough to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD, telling your patient about the importance of asking for assistance in case needed can also help. Make your patient understand that he or she can ask help from you or his or her friends. It is typical for people with ADHD to find this uncomfortable, but this reaction is normal for ADHD sufferers. Usually, it is because they’re too shy or they find it embarrassing.

If all these things can be taught correctly and properly, dealing with symptoms of ADHD can’t anymore be as frustrating as it is. In case you need some help from other experts, you can consult a psychiatrist or a doctor regarding the solutions for dealing with ADHD sufferers.

Are you looking for more understanding about the Symptoms Of ADHD?

Perhaps you have a loved one who has ADHD? It is vital to have a good knowledge of the Causes Of ADHD and how to mange it.

To find out more about ADHD in children, CLICK HERE.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jen_Miller

The people who suffer from Down syndrome have average to low cognitive abilities and the chances of Down syndrome are 1 to 1000 births. Also this ratio greatly depends upon the age of the mother and many other factors. many of the symptoms of down syndrome may also be found in normal people such as poor muscle growth, ear infections, obstructive sleep, thyroid dysfunctions etc. It is advised that as soon as this syndrome is detected in children they should be treated in a conducive family environment and vocational training should be provided to them for their development. All of the symptoms of Down syndrome can not be overcome but with proper care and education, the life of the people affected from syndrome can be greatly improved.

Characteristics of Down syndrome:

People suffering from Down syndrome may have some of the following physical characteristics:

• Oblique eye fissures

• Muscle hypotonia

• Flat nasal bridge

• Single plamar fold

• Short neck

• White spots on the iris

• Congenital heart defects

• Single Flexion furrow of the fifth finger

• Higher number of ilnar loop dermatoglyphs

Some mental characteristics include:

• Mental retardation

• Low IQ due to above factor

These are just some of symptoms of the Down syndrome. Their are many other symptoms of this dreadful disorder.

Health of people:

The people suffering from this syndrome can experience any organ or organ system failure at any time. This type of syndrome can result from many genetic disorders. This results in wide variety of symptoms and even wider variety of problems and complications in the individuals. Prior to birth it can be tested and found out that the individual which will develop will have Down syndrome while some symptoms are clearly visible after the birth like heart malfunctions others come to light in the later years.

A survey conducted in United States showed that the life acceptancy of such people is around 49 years up from 25 years in 1980.The life expectancy also depends on many factors like the social environment of the individual as well as the family environment. Fertility is drastically reduced with males suffering the worst. Only 3 instances of a male suffering from Down syndrome becoming a father have been recorded.

People who support such people advise that such people should be given special guidance as well as education as well as a home environment which is suitable and caring for them and then only thy develop their minds to live like a normal person. With special care and understanding the world can be made a better place to live in for individuals suffering from Down syndrome.

Visit Genetic-Diseases.net, a site which tries to provide useful info about the most serious Genetic Diseases, like Down Syndrome, Klinefelter Syndrome etc. The site is frequently updated in order to give info about most of the Genetic Disorders!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Key

Cleft lip and palate is a treatable birth defect. The availability of treatment can easily be acquired and started as soon as the condition has been determined and diagnosed. Infants and children are the most common patient treated for cleft lip and palate condition. Being “one of the most common birth defect” of our time, babies born with this condition are treated right away and placed under the care of multidisciplinary team of specialists.

It is very important to treat and complete the treatment for this condition as early as possible that is why every attempt to do it should be made possible. There are several factors critical for early treatment and care of patients such as speech, growth, hearing, breathing and teeth development.

However, treatments for adult with this particular condition are also available and it’s not limited to infants and kids alone. As the child with oral condition grow, some treatments may still be ongoing. In some cases, special needs or necessary treatments are not quite met become more apparent throughout in later years.

Treatment procedures to manage oral cleft condition invent new innovative approaches as time passes. An adult with an oral condition will be evaluated to determine the specific treatment he will need. The adult will be counseled as well prior to any treatment about clefting, its condition and its management. It’s treatment, procedures and surgeries are performed by a team of multidisciplinary specialists who are particularly involved and have excellent expertise. The team will be compiled with oral and plastic surgeons, pediatrician, pediatric dentist, orthodontist, otolaryngologist (specializes in areas of the eyes, ear and nose), prosthodontist (tooth replacement expert), nutritionist, geneticist and a psychologist.

This condition among adults brings the same concerns of younger individuals affected by the complications brought by the condition. These individuals are most concerned on how they look. These concerns include the appearance of the affected area, their lip and nose, as well as their quality of hearing, speech ability and the functionality and development of their teeth.

Reconstructive surgery is the main treatment that will improve all of these concerns. The scar after reconstructive surgery will be permanent however. But there are still ways to improve even this. The patient can opt to have revision surgery. To know what can be done surgically to improve your appearance even more, it is best to address it and have it discussed with your surgeon.

Cleft lip

Does insurance cover cleft lip

Cost of cleft lip surgery

Dr. Jim Greene would like to invite you to visit the resources above if you are interested in learning more about cleft lip.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Jim_Greene

Often vaccines are blamed for Autism and there maybe something to that, although some studies seem to indicate that ultrasounds during pregnancy might also be a real problem. This makes sense as the brain cells are forming in the beginning the slightest problem could cause them to fail to make the needed connections. How can that happen? Well, because sound echoes inside the womb and heats up the unborn fetus, that would normally be protected against just about everything.

Some medical practitioners think that theory is ludicrous, but there have been ample studies to confirm such things. Another question that a couple of members at the Online Think Tank discussed was the fact that many teens and younger adults have cell phones, which work at Microwave Frequencies that they wear on their hips.

Some studies were done that show that folks that used cell phones a lot were bombarding their brains and actually heating them up inside, thru the skull while using them. Thus the prolonged use and maximum minutes per month could be an issue for cell phone users. Especially the prior 3 watt cell phones, now they are much less.

But consider an expected mother with a cell phone on her hip constantly, radiating microwaves into the fetus area, which would be very close by. Now consider the problem with ultrasounds, often done for novelty, two or three times, when medically they are only needed once and only briefly and only if complications are expected.

Think about it, Autism is on the rise in industrialized nations that also happen to have cell phones and ultrasound technologies, but in other parts of the world, the Autism rates are quite a bit lower? Why?

“Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance Winslow’s Bio

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow

The choice is truly yours to receive your loved ones mental illness as a beautiful gift or a ride on a never ending roller coaster. I have a daughter, who is now 13, and has been given at least 8 different mental disability labels and three different stays living in treatment facilities with various cocktail brews of medications up until 3 years ago. The kindest way people in social service fields could offer support was to tell me “she’s complex”

I learned to live with a few simple thoughts to keep some perspective in my life. If I didn’t she could wear me out to the point like I felt my brains have just been dumped out on the floor. I think being in a catatonic state of mind sounds a little less out there, huh?

See their in differences from ours as unique and treasured gifts!

My daughter was unique before she was even born to the outside world. Most the time her excessive line of questioning would send my head in a tail spin. If I couldn’t rapidly respond with an acceptable answer then off to the opera stage I went. It was more like screaming in fits of rage, but hey I managed to find a gift out of that, maybe an opera singer in the family?

Let go, let go, and I mean quickly let go and laugh!

When she use to ride the special ed bus one day she decided to unbuckle the seat belts of all the special ed children riding the bus. She told them to stand up on their seats because they were all free from restraints. Of course I took it serious but can you just imagine the poor bus driver. Try running this scenario as if it was a movie produced with Will Ferrell in the lead role or maybe a scene from the movie “Free Willy”.

Start everyday and sometimes every micro second as a renewed learning experience for both of you!

Many people would not be able to last a day with my daughters irrational behaviors be it verbal or physical and rapidly unpredictable mood swings. I would be in denial if I said it wasn’t challenging but I feel blessed. My daughter keeps me in the present to never forget what it truly means to be patient and forgive in an instant. Remembering to live humbly and what it means to really feel humility helped me see progress in her daily. It could be as simple as her saying she was sorry even though I may know the same scenario could happen again in an hour.

I finally took some time to write out a series of short books called “Because I Love You dear”. For two reasons, to help heal myself and for her to understand some of the choices I made to help her were because I loved her.

Please contact me at my email address if you are interested in the series of books at forfaithandhope@yahoo.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aleta_Johnson

April 2nd of 2008 is the first World Autism Day, which was designated by the United Nations General Assembly following the adoption of the Qatari resolution at the end of 2007.

Autism is a kind of neurodevelopmental disabilities. Children with autism show symptoms like communication problem, repetive behaviors and limited interests, and so on. Autism can be diagnosed since the baby is 18 months old, the best age to prevent autism is from 36 to 40 months old. The cause of autism has not been known yet, all vaccinations, televisions, thimerosal, mercury and pitocin are suspects.

In America, 50 percent of autistic kids can graduate from schools at a proper age. Unfortunately, many kids with autistic signs are not diagnosed before 7 years old in Africa and Asia. Experts suggest that all babies should take autism examination twice between 18 months old and 24 months old, because early diagnosis and treatment are extremely important for preventing autism.

There are many celebration activities all over the world on April 2nd - World Autism Day. “Autism knows no geographic boundaries - it affects individuals and families on every continent and in every country,” said Suzanne Wright, co-founder of Autism Speaks. “The celebration of World Autism Awareness Day is an important way to help the world better understand the scope of this health crisis and the need for compassion and acceptance for those living with autism. This remarkable day - the first of many to come - promises to be a time of great hope and happiness as we work to build a global autism community.”

The World Autism Awareness Day of 2008 - and the first World Autism Awareness Day ever is coming soon. Let’s hope that this especial day could raise awareness of autism and be truly helpful to autistic children and their families.

Resource: http://www.autism-world.com

http://www.autism-world.com/index.php/2008/04/01/world-autism-day-is-april-2nd/

http://www.autism-world.com

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When a child has special learning needs, it is important to make the right modifications in the classroom, at home, and during other times of learning and education. Keep in mind that learning isn’t just something that happens at school with teachers and textbooks. Learning and understanding come from every part of life, and with the right autism modifications, it can be at its most effective for your child.

There are five primary autism modifications that can help your autistic child get the most out of his or her own potential. These include:

Visuals - as autistic children commonly achieve their best learning when visual aids are used, they should be among the modifications made to ensure an effective learning environment. Visuals can include:

- An individually tailored visual daily schedule that illustrates the day’s activities.
- Visual highlighting of important points made throughout lessons through the use of cards of picture books etc.
- Color coding for relevant and important information i.e. Red for work time and blue for playtime.
- Directions and sequencing through visual cues such as picture cards
- Visual signs for making activity endings obvious.

Assessment and evaluation of sensory needs - Once an evaluation has been completed, suitable sensory activities should be scheduled into each day. Such sensory activities may include:

- Chair push ups
- Swing-sets and monkey bars
- Carrying heavy objects and light objects to different designated locations via designated routes
- Biting, crunching, sucking, chewing, and blowing with food, bubbles, etc.
- Fidget toys
- Always making appropriate modifications for temperature, lighting, sounds, and smells
- Exercise every day

Environmental modifications could include:

- Limiting potential for distractions in work areas and at home
- Having close proximity to instruction area and materials
- Setting visual boundaries where necessary with screens or curtains etc
- Learning areas made obvious through seating and furniture arrangements, masking tape, carpet squares, etc.

Consistency - Make sure any modifications, techniques or teaching strategies are consistent between the classroom and home. This includes methods of scheduling the day’s activities, and forms of communication. This consistent approach should be applied to as many different environments as possible, so children know what is expected of them at any given time.

Build Social and Emotional Strength - Give the autistic child activities that are specifically designed to support social and emotional skills. These skills should be a serious focus at home and at school. These are the skills that will be essential for your child’s daily life and functioning throughout childhood and adulthood. It will likely be among the most challenging subjects for your child so it is important not to underestimate the impact social and emotional development and skills can have.

Beyond autism modifications in the classroom, there are many other things that you can do to help your child to function and adapt to life’s demands. However, no matter what you choose for your child, you must make sure that the decision is based specifically on your child’s unique symptoms of autism and their needs. Discuss any decisions with your doctor, specialist or therapist for further expert advice.

Grab your free copy of Rachel Evans’ brand new Autism Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you and your family find out about Autism Modifications that make life easier and for information on autism strategies please visit The Essential Guide To Autism.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Evans

In South Korea, it was popular that parents take babies born for only weeks to learn english. Recently, it’s fashionable to make babies learn yoga, philosophy, even walking. These inappropriate early education are not healthy for infants, after having too much lessons, many babies display autistic tendencies. Doctor Sun from Institute of Cognitive emotional and Psychiatric in Seoul said:” 30-40 percent of mental patients in Korea are infants. The main cause of this situation is too much early education imposed by family.”

Many parents are afriad of their children being left behind, so they force young kids to learn all kind of things. In fact, studying memory, language and other skills too early could inhibit the normal development of other cognitive ability, such as color, hehavior, feelings and so on. Children between 18 and 36 months old should learn necessary skills in the process of playing, like climbing, grasping, and other acts of cognition.

Too much early education may lead to excessive development of the child. For example, letting children learn sports too early allows excessive development of the child’s bones and causes bone deformation. Experts suggest that children shouldn’t memory before 3 years old, shouldn’t learn writting words before 5 years old, shouldn’t learn another language before 9 years old. Many children also shows autism behaviors because of excessive early education in our country.

According to researshes in this area, 70-80 percent of children are normal and should accept regular education. Other kids, like genius and those on autism spectum should be given special education and trainings.

http://www.autism-world.com/index.php/2008/04/07/too-much-early-education-may-cause-autism-tendencies/
http://www.autism-world.com/