Down syndrome: Testing during adolescence and early adulthood (ages 13 to 21)
Down syndrome can cause a variety of health problems related to physical and mental functions. These problems vary in number and severity for each individual. Your child should have regularly scheduled exams by a doctor to identify signs of any problems. The sooner health issues are recognized, the better they can be managed.
Your child should receive health care from a coordinated team of health professionals. Treatment should focus on monitoring and recognizing your child's changing physical, mental, and emotional needs. It is a good idea to have your child's primary doctor prepare and maintain a medical summary and work with you to develop a written health care transition plan as your child approaches the teen years. Think about how to ensure adequate long-term medical insurance for your child, what types of future services will be needed, who will provide them, and how you will pay for the services.
Each year, teens and young adults with Down syndrome should have a complete physical exam. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends doctors pay special attention to certain health issues, such as:1
- Skin problems. Extreme dryness, acne, or other problems may develop during puberty that can get worse if they are not recognized and treated.
- Thyroid function. People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for developing thyroid disease, such as hypothyroidism, and should be screened with a blood test for related problems every year.
- Hearing problems. A teenager or adult with Down syndrome may be prone to hearing problems. Hearing should be tested every year.
- Eye problems. A teenager or adult should have a thorough eye exam every year.
Also, talk with your doctor about your teenager's transition into adulthood. Your doctor can help you consider the needs of your child, such as vocational training and sexual education.
Although the AAP lists a complete blood count (CBC) as a recommended test, the United Kingdom Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG) does not.2
| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: August 9, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics David Smith, MD - Family Medicine | |
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