Unit VI Body of Research Paper

Down’s Syndrome-Revision of Literature Review

Down’s syndrome is a genetic disorder in human beings characterized by a diminished mental ability, distinctive features on the face, and muscle weakness. Such patients have a lot of difficulties in coping up with the world and the society in it. They put their family members in a fixed predicament. Some patients are therefore taken to health institutions which are supposed to make them “better.” However, according to a variety of literature, the mental facilitates have both their advantages and disadvantages. This has led to a debate about whether the institutions are the perfect environment for “curing” patients with the Down’s syndrome. The pro side is that the mental facilities have trained professionals that offer ideal treatment and rehabilitation services to the patients. The treatment sometimes guarantees the physical well-being of the patients. The recovered patients have been known to take part in many social activities like sports and also art. They have been known to come up with unique artistic works. This is because the rehabilitation centers let them focus on their passions. However, on the con side, the institutions are meant to separate the patients from the rest of the society, including their immediate family members. Segregating patients with the Downs’ syndrome may lead to the development of antisocial behavior. For example, patients may tend to seclude themselves and fear to talk to other people despite being physically treated of the condition. The antisocial behavior makes them be termed as “weirdos” in the society. They are thus avoided and neglected by the other members due to their strange behaviors. The con side appeals to the humane behavior of people associating with patients of the Down’s syndrome. The literature review provides adequate knowledge on the subject; it emphasizes on developing empathy for the patients rather than sympathizing with them. This essay is a revision of the literature review of this study; it discusses the terminology, history and the two sides of the controversy (cons and pros).

The primary objective of the literature review provided in this study is to find out the pros and cons associated with treating people with the Down’s syndrome. The research can, therefore, be used as a platform to recommend the appropriate treatment procedures to be used by people associated with patients with this disorder. The research made was adequate to support the conclusion that the current institutions need modification to ensure that children coming out of the facilities are all rounded. Learning from Graaf (2002), it is clear that integrating both types of children (those with the condition and those without) is a terrible idea. This is because the students with the condition would not get the special care they need. Segregation also prevents the children with the disorder from stigmatization by their colleagues. It can, therefore, be concluded that segregation is not a con after all; it can result to both positive and negative outcomes.

The history of treatment of the patients with the Down’s syndrome also reveal that there should be a mechanism to separate patients with acute signs of the condition from those with severe conditions. According to Graaf (2002), the special schools for such children was abused by the members of the society in that children that showed little signs of disability were taken to the institutions. This kind of segregation is unnecessary because it denies students the opportunity of interacting with their peers. However, there has been an improvement in the institution such as the hiring of the medical experts who manage the admission process. The professionals examine and evaluate the behaviors of the children before admitting them. This development has led to better quality care for children with the disorder.

Attention to children with the disorder is not just enough, parents of such kids also require special attention to come to terms with the situation. Down’s syndrome can sometimes lead to autism. Autism can be fatal. Parents living with the notion that their kids might die at a young age can be very devastating and traumatizing. According to Abbeduto et al. (2004), such situations can greatly affect a parent’s health. It is therefore important for the parents to see professional therapists on the matter. The therapist provides solutions or means of coping up with the absence of the children to their parents. Down syndrome centers are important in that they are better equipped to give an accurate diagnosis to parents. The therapy session might, however, require significant income to pay for the services. Low-income levels, therefore, affect the quality of the services provided, especially in the third world countries.

In conclusion, good medical care is critical for people living with the Down’s syndrome. It leads to better quality of life for those affected. However, great care is not only limited to the physical well-being of the patients living with the condition. It also encompasses rehabilitation services and therapy sessions for the parents whose children have the Down’s syndrome. Therapy is important to help deal with the stress of having a child with the disorder. Despite the specialist centers having major benefits, a lot of modification is required to provide the best possible medical care for those affected by the Down’s syndrome.

References

Abbeduto, L. et al. (2004). Psychological Well-Being and Coping in Mothers of Youths With Autism, Down Syndrome, or Fragile X Syndrome. American Journal on Mental Retardation, 109(3), 237-254.

de Graaf, G. (2002) Supporting the social inclusion of students with Down syndrome in mainstream education. Down syndrome News and Update, 2(2), 55-62.