Down's syndrome, also known as Down syndrome or trisomy 21, is a genetic condition that typically causes some level of learning disability and certain physical characteristics.
Characteristics of Down's syndrome
Most babies born with Down's syndrome are diagnosed soon after birth and may have:
- floppiness (hypotonia)
- eyes that slant upwards and outwards
- a small mouth with a tongue that may stick out
- a flat back of the head
- below-average weight and length at birth
- their palm may have only one crease across it
Although children with Down's syndrome share some common physical characteristics, they don't all look the same. A child with Down's will look more like their family members than other children who have the syndrome.
People with Down's syndrome will also have different personalities and abilities. Everyone born with Down's syndrome will have some degree of learning disability, but this will be different for each person.
Services in Ealing offering support
Ealing Child Development Team (CDT)
The Ealing Child Development Team are based within ESCAN and comprise of pediatricians and specialist health visitors. They assess and support children with complex and severe/nuerodevelopmental problems, including chromosomal syndromes, social communication difficulties and developmental delay.
Tel: 0300 1234 544
Email: ealingcommunityreferrals@nhs.net
Early Start Ealing is an area-based service structured in line with local children’s services, working together to deliver integrated, services for children (aged 0-5) and their families, with a focus on prevention, promotion and Early Intervention including for children who may not meet expected milestones or those identified with Special Education Needs and/or Disabilities, including children who are undergoing assessment for their social and communication needs. Early Start may be able to offer support at home with your child’s health and development (supporting with developing play skills, communication, behaviour, sleep, toileting, routines,) particularly if your child is making less than expected progress in their social and communications skills. A member of the Early Start team can offer ideas, suggestions and practical strategies to support your individual child’s needs. To access the service please either speak to your health visitor or early years provider who can refer you to the service. Alternatively, you can contact the Early Start Team directly
Tel: 020 8102 5888
Contact provide advice, information and support to families caring for children and young people aged 0-25, with any disability or additional need, regardless of diagnosis. As well as information, Contact regular workshops and classes on topics that can benefit parents living within the borough, as well as parent support group meetings and condition specific groups for support and the opportunity for parents and carers to meet.
Email: ealing@contact.org.uk
Ealing Mencap offer a range of opportunities and services for people with learning disabilities as well as their carers and families. Services offered include housing support, Life skills, travel training. Ealing MENCAP also run afterschool clubs and saturday clubs for 14-25 year olds.
Tel: 020 8566 9575
Ealing Anchor Foundation, formerly known as Parents of Ealing Self-Help Training Scheme (P.E.S.T.S) , offers a welcome place for parents and carers of children aged 0-5 with a disability, additional or complex need in Ealing. Ealing Anchor Foundation offer advice, support, information and training workshops for parents and carers in a friendly and nurturing setting.
Tel: 020 8571 9954
Useful links and resources
Downs Syndrome Association www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/
Parents of Ealing Self Help Training Scheme (P.E.S.T.S) www.pests-ealing.org.uk
Contact - www.contact.org.uk