Question
My child is two years old and still cannot speak, with unclear articulation, and is much smaller in stature compared to other children of the same age. Many of their other behaviors also differ significantly from children of this age. The family suspects they may have Down syndrome. What are the manifestations of Down syndrome?
Answer
Children with Down syndrome have intellectual disabilities, language development, and behavioral disorders. On average, they start speaking around the ages of 4 to 6, with 95% experiencing articulation defects. They have delayed motor development, awkward and uncoordinated movements, and unstable gait. There are also growth and developmental disabilities. Their facial features are distinctive: wide-set eyes, slanting outer corners of the eyes, epicanthal folds, low-set ears, a low nasal bridge, and a wide and thick tongue. About half of the children have congenital heart disease. Additionally, due to low immunity, they are prone to infectious diseases and leukemia. If they survive to adulthood, they often develop symptoms of senile dementia after the age of 30.