POOJA KOTHARIMom of a 8 yr 5 m old boy8 months agoA. Happy early birthday to your daughter! It’s wonderful that you're looking to understand her growth. Children with Down syndrome develop at their own pace, and while they may experience developmental delays, many can achieve milestones with appropriate support and care.
For a one-year-old with Down syndrome, the following are some general growth and developmental expectations:
1. Physical Growth:
By the time your daughter turns 1, she may weigh anywhere from 7 to 11 kg (15 to 24 pounds) and be about 71 to 80 cm (28 to 32 inches) tall, though this can vary widely depending on her individual growth patterns.
2. Motor Skills:
Gross Motor Skills: At 12 months, she may start sitting up independently, crawling, and possibly pulling herself to stand or cruising along furniture. Walking may be delayed, and it might take a little longer, but she will likely reach this milestone with practice.
Fine Motor Skills: She may be able to grasp small objects, feed herself with her hands, and attempt to hold a spoon. Hand-eye coordination is still developing.
3. Cognitive Development:
Her cognitive skills may be slower to develop compared to her peers, but she will continue to show interest in exploring her environment. She may respond to her name, recognize familiar faces, and enjoy playing with toys. Simple cause-and-effect toys, like buttons that make sounds when pressed, can engage her.
4. Speech and Communication:
At one year, children with Down syndrome typically use simple gestures or sounds to communicate. Some may start to say their first words, like "mama" or "dada," while others might focus more on babbling.
5. Social and Emotional Development:
She will begin showing more interest in social interactions, smiling, and making eye contact with family members. She may express joy, frustration, or excitement in different ways, and her personality will start to shine through.
6. Health Considerations:
Children with Down syndrome may have some health challenges, such as heart conditions, hearing or vision problems, or thyroid issues, so regular checkups are essential to monitor her overall health.
With early intervention through therapies like physical, speech, and occupational therapy, children with Down syndrome often make significant progress. It's important to remember that each child is unique, and growth milestones may vary widely, so supporting her development with love, care, and encouragement is the best way forward. Keep working closely with her pediatrician, therapists, and other specialists to ensure she receives the right support for her growth.
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