Tuesday, March 27, 2012

What is down's Syndrome?

It is a chromosomal abnormality found in children. It is caused by the presence of one extra chromosome in the cells of a child. According to Prof. Vajira Dissanayake, Down Syndrome or Down's Syndrome is a set of mental & physical symptoms that result from having an extra copy of chromosome 21. (CDN March 26, 2012 -HEALTH WATCH - Nipuni Wimalapala )

Human beings have 23 pairs of chromosomes. Each pair is made up of one copy of a chromosome from each parent. Down Syndrome occurs when there is a extra copy of chrosmosome 21 from either the Father or Mother.

Inside the Chromosome we get DNA, where the genes are located. Genes are there to produce proteins.

When there is an extra chromosome, the protein production increases. These proteins travel to different parts of the body. They mainly go to the nerves and the nerve cells can get damaged. These damaged nerve cells cannot be cured. As a result the child with Down syndrome may have different problems such as become a slow learner. Due to this there will be a number of physical and mental disorders. The child will do everything a normal child can do but it takes much longer.

Down's Syndrome children suffer from a variety of adverse health conditions such as thyroid dysfunctions, constipation, dry skin, congenital heart disease, hearing problems, intestinal problems such as blocked small bowel or esophagus, celiac disease, cataracts, skeletal problems and dementia similar to Alzheimer's disease.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Down Syndrome - Colombo City Mission

Vase made out of a can and coir rope
Vase made out of a used can
Blue Angels making  Christmas Cards
Clombo City Mission was established in 1913 by Methodist Missionaries from England who arrived in Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon).

CCM has taken on the task of providing day care for children affected by down syndrome and autistic children from the vicinity.

The program helps the parents who are mostly working in the city as they now know that their children are well looked after at the "Blue Angels Club" at City Mission.






Vase made out of dry coconut flower
Clay pot candle

Using dried coconut flowers





Presently there are 17 children of various ages who are taught skills according to their aptitudes such as painting, making vases out of used tin cans, making bead chains, dolls and wax candles etc.