Diagnostic Overshadowing
Medical Neglect of Children with Special Needs.
Please click the link below to hear more about the most important thing that's impacting the health and development of children with Down syndrome.
Grand Rounds 3-13-17 from NUNM on Vimeo.
What is Down syndrome?
If you've come to this website you're probably already aware of what Down syndrome is. You may even be seeking some answers for your own child. At the Down Syndrome Treatment Center of Oregon we look at Down syndrome a little differently than the current medical paradigm that dominates conventional medicine. We don't speak of Down syndrome as a genetic "mistake" or "error". This kind of language implies that the child is a mistake or error and this simply isn't the case. We use the words "genetic event" or "genetic anomaly" which means something that is different from the standard or usual. Although the percentage of people with Down syndrome worldwide is not known, it is the most common genetic anomaly worlwide. So, relative to other genetic conditions it is quite common.
If you need a complete explanation of what Down syndrome is please refer to the explanation provided by the National Down Syndrome Society. When reading please replace the word "error" with "event".
We use the term "Down syndrome" as it refers to a set of symptoms that are caused by a genetic anomaly. The terms "Down syndrome" and "T21" are not analogous. There are several genetic anomalies that cause Down syndrome. T21 is just one of them. There is also translocation, which does not include a complete extra copy of chromosome 21. In this type only a piece of chromosome 21 is copied and found to be attached to another chromosome. In addition there is Mosaic Down syndrome in which a percentage of the cells of a person's body are T21. The remaining cells of the body have a typical karyotype.
If you need a complete explanation of what Down syndrome is please refer to the explanation provided by the National Down Syndrome Society. When reading please replace the word "error" with "event".
We use the term "Down syndrome" as it refers to a set of symptoms that are caused by a genetic anomaly. The terms "Down syndrome" and "T21" are not analogous. There are several genetic anomalies that cause Down syndrome. T21 is just one of them. There is also translocation, which does not include a complete extra copy of chromosome 21. In this type only a piece of chromosome 21 is copied and found to be attached to another chromosome. In addition there is Mosaic Down syndrome in which a percentage of the cells of a person's body are T21. The remaining cells of the body have a typical karyotype.
Is it treatable?
Yes. Because the genetic make up of each cell cannot be altered, Down syndrome cannot be cured. However, it can be argued that all medical conditions have a genetic origin and are still treated, conditions like asthma, heart disease, and even cancer all have genetic origins. Although their basic cause is often genetics that are triggered by environmental factors, they are still treated medically. Down syndrome is not different from these conditions.
In addition, many of the symptoms of Down syndrome can be attributed to cellular hypothyroidism. You can read more about Thyroid Hormone Metabolism in Down Syndrome here.
The biochemistry of individuals with Down syndrome is unique and can create a need for specific vitamins and nutrients in quantities different than in those without Down Syndrome. For more information please go to "Education" and view the webinar "Down Syndrome 101" (to be posted soon).
In addition, many of the symptoms of Down syndrome can be attributed to cellular hypothyroidism. You can read more about Thyroid Hormone Metabolism in Down Syndrome here.
The biochemistry of individuals with Down syndrome is unique and can create a need for specific vitamins and nutrients in quantities different than in those without Down Syndrome. For more information please go to "Education" and view the webinar "Down Syndrome 101" (to be posted soon).