My 2 1/2 mth daughter has a depressed nasal bridge and some dysmorhpic features indicative of Down's. The doc has ordered the testing, and we will be having that done very soon. The results take weeks to come in. She mentioned maybe Mosaic Down's, where it's not full-blown Down's. I'm really stumped because my daughter is very, very strong. Holding her head up. She's flashing smiles (the kind you know it's not gas). I've always had her pegged for earlier developement than even my son, who's on the advanced side. She doesn't have the crease in her hand that's consistent with Down's. Some days I think we've got it, and some days I'm thinking it's got to be something different. She has short stature and I've wondered if it may be dwarfism. I am "advanced maternal age." We denied the testing for Down's because this is God's child and whatever we get, He will equip us for. However, sonograms throughout pregnancy did not show any problems with the baby.
Does anyone know of other causes for depressed nasal bridge or have experience with "partial" Down's or even full Down's or dwarfism? I'm so grateful to have you ladies to turn to for input. Mamasource reaches a huge spectrum of advise and thoughts. You're truly a Godsend. I thank you in advance for your input.
God bless you!
I think you need to go ahead and call in the state, because it takes a long time to get the ball rolling with ECI, but once you get it, a world of possibilities opens up for your child.
It sounds as if your child is very alert. That's a great thing to have right now.
I have a 6-month old daughter with "full" Down's. She has "low tone" but still seems very strong to me (when she chomps down on my knuckle it hurts!). She is an incredibly social little girl with a brilliant smile!
The National Down Syndrome Congress has a new campaign - "We're more alike than different" - and has a video and informational slideshow that introduces 4 adults with Down's and has some good information on the basics, education, employment and the community. The video is at: http://www.ndsccenter.org/morealike/flash/ It is very helpful information.
If you do get genetic confirmation of Down's, do get into Early Childhood Intervention (your local Down's association or local school can help you with this, just keep calling if you don't get someone the first time who knows about ECI). The early intervention should be free or nearly so, and it has really helped my daughter continue to meet her milestones! Also by contacting your local Down's Association, you can find other people in your area, and it really helps to know you aren't alone.
Good luck, and you're going to be told that Down's kids are a blessing and a joy. It is absolutely true!
C.
I don't know of any other causes for the depressed nasal bridge, but just wanted to let you know that I have known and cared for some very high functioning children who had Downs Syndrome. One girl in particular was mildly delayed but exceptionally aware, extremely happy and healthy. Since their are varying degrees of downs each child will have different degrees of development.
So I'm sure no matter what the cause is, your child will be happy and healthy.
Good morning L.,
I have a daughter that is now 9 with Down Syndrome & Type 1 Diabetes and just let me tell you that if your daughter is diagnosed with Downs--it will be okay.
I didn't know that Alex would be born with Downs and was told the minute she was delivered that they suspected she was and the blood test took two weeks to confirm that she was Trisomy 21. She was not born with heart or intestinal problems, no hand crease and had "high" muscle tone. In fact, she defied all the "typical" mile markers that people have labeled kids with Down Syndrome. Have the blood test, if she does have Downs make sure you start Early Childhood Intervention ASAP! It was so helpful to Alex, me, my husband and our other daughter.
I could write a paper about everything we have been thru and Alex proving that you should never stereo-type anyone. Today, Alex is in second grade in a co-teach classroom, she reads, does math, loves science, goes to gymnastics, plays baseball & loves to swim. She has friends that are both typical kids and she has a few friends with varying disabilies.
Having said this, I know the wait and the unknown is probably very difficult for you----but, remeber that no matter what--this bundle of joy is Gods gift and will be your hero one day.
I'll hold you and your family up in prayer.
Debra
My friend has a child with Williams' Syndrome. Very similar to Down's. Although I am sure she was diagnosed with it as a newborn too. Williams' kids are very similar features, etc. I will say a prayer for you. God Bless you.
I will be praying that she does not have downs and will be a healthy baby. I also will pray that what ever the problems she gets along the way that you have strength to handle them. God bless your family.
A friend of mine had a son who had a depressed nasal bridge. He ended up having some thing called Chromosome 18 anomaly. But if she seems to be strong and her muscle tone is normal then I doubt that is what your daughter has. My point is that it could be a number of things.
Good Luck
K.
30 years ago when my cousin was born, they said that she had Downs. Her parents chose not to have her tested. She is now married with two 'normal' children and owns a restaurant! Many years after my cousin was born (her mother had a countless number of miscarriages) she finally had a 'sticky baby' when her only child was a teen.
They did the prenatal testing and he tested + for Downs. This was obvious when he was born as well, although he was retested.
He is graduating highschool and has a girlfriend! He had therapy from birth, though, which likely helped.
So, don't worry about it, research while you wait, and love you're little one!
Dear L.,
I just thought I would let you and anyone else reading this about a website for parents of Down's Syndrome children. It is SpecialLambs.com. I know your daughter is not diagnosed with downs yet, so I am really just taking this opportunity to let other parents know about it.
I really appreciate what you said about your daughter being God's child.
Congratulations on your new daughter!
My oldest child has Down syndrome - he is almost 15. Some people with DS don't have a lot of strong features and some people who do not have DS can have DS features such as the crease in the hand. Most children are diagnosed at birth and I've only met one mom whose child was diagnosed at several months of age but this is extremely unusual.
A person either has DS or they do not - you cannot have just a little bit of DS. However there are different kinds of DS and in Mosaic DS not all of the cells are affected (not every cell has the extra chromosome) so these individuals might have fewer features and might be less developmentally delayed. The way they look does not have any bearing on how well they may or may not function.
People with DS are individuals just like anyone else and just like people without DS have different strengths and gifts. Whether your precious daughter has DS or not I know you know she is a blessing from God.
with Blessings.
there are varying degrees of down's syndrome. some children are very smart.
I don't have any experience with Down's, but I wanted to let you know that you have the best attitude, whatever God may send your way. That's most of the battle with a special-needs child (I'm NOT saying that yours is special needs.) We were blessed with an autistic, severely retarded son in 1982. It's been a struggle at times, but God has been so faithful to provide exactly what we needed when we needed it. I'm sure that He will do the same for you whatever the tests show.
I'll be praying for you.
S.
