Down’s syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs because of an extra chromosome. When a baby is conceived, it inherits genetic material from its parents. The genetic material is usually transferred to the baby in the form of 46 chromosomes – 23 from each parent. Down’s syndrome is caused by a fault with a chromosome called the 21 chromosome. In most cases of Down’s syndrome, a child inherits an extra 21 chromosome, meaning they inherit 47 chromosomes instead of 46. When a person’s genetic make-up is unbalanced in this way, it can affect their physical and mental characteristics. Down’s syndrome can affect you in many different ways. Some of the most obvious symptoms are those which affect your physical appearance.

Physical Features…

People with Down’s syndrome tend to have a number of typical physical features. Some people with the syndrome may only have a few of these features, while others may be more severely affected.
Physical features of Down’s syndrome may include:
• eyes which slant up
• small ears
• flat back of head
• protruding tongue
• small mouth
• flattened nose bridge
• white spots on the iris (the coloured part of the eye), known as Brushfield spots
• short fingers
• broad hands with a single crease across the palm
• loose skin on the back of the neck
• vertical skin folds (epicanthic folds) between the upper eyelids and inner corner of the eye
• loose joints (babies in particular may seem ‘floppy’)
• poor muscle tone (hypotonia) and low birth weight

Development…

The physical development of children with Down’s syndrome tends to be slower than that of other children of a similar age. They may also be slower to develop socially and mentally. For example – it might take them longer to learn to speak or to read. All people with Down’s syndrome will have some degree of learning disability, although some people are more severely affected than others. If a child has Down’s syndrome it will not stop them from developing at all. Many people with the condition can still learn all of the physical, mental and social skills that most other people acquire; they just do it at a different pace.

How Yoga can help a child with Down’s Syndrome…

Yoga postures help to stretch, tone and strengthen the entire body. The postures also benefit the internal organs and help to balance and revitalise the endocrine glands. For this reason children with Down’s syndrome who practice regular Yoga practices of posture and breathing techniques, have a beneficial effect on the central nervous system. It develops body awareness, concentration and memory. Do any Yoga moves which strengthen the body and give alignment and symmetry as well as stretch which involves both sides of the brain such as diagonals. Baby lotus could be ok but just gentle. Avoid any stretches that involve hip openers where legs are separated. Only do ones that have the knees together and do not do inversions. Some babies/children with Down’s syndrome suffer Atlanto Axial Instability which causes them to have neck problems – therefore exercises such as forward rolls, bridge, shoulder stands and any movements where forward neck positions are used should be avoided.