Down syndrome: Issues during middle and late childhood (ages 5 to 13)

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Down syndrome: Issues during middle and late childhood (ages 5 to 13)

If your child with Down syndrome is between the ages of 5 and 13, you will likely have ongoing questions and concerns. Your doctor can help answer your questions and guide you to appropriate resources to help you manage your feelings and plan for your child's long-term care needs.

Your doctor will likely address a variety of issues with you during your child's regularly scheduled medical checkups, such as:

• Growth and development. Discuss how self-help skills (such as grooming and dressing) are developing and whether your child is gaining a sense of responsibility. As your child approaches puberty, discuss physical and sexual development, including any concerns you have about menstrual hygiene and management, fertility, and contraception.
• Diet and exercise. Because excessive weight gain is common for children with Down syndrome, providing your child with healthy meals and regular exercise is especially important.
• Education and training. Your doctor will want updates on your child's academic progress at school. Also discuss any special programs or treatments (such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy) that your child is participating in.
• Social skills and relationships outside the home. Discuss your child's general behavior and what kinds of social opportunities are available to him or her.
• Family well-being. Talk about the relationships between family members and how your child with Down syndrome interacts with those close to him or her. You also may be asked about financial issues and future guardianship arrangements for your child.

Credits

Last updated:	August 09, 2007
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, David Smith, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC