Autism and Down syndrome

There are various types of genetic illnesses. They begin with birth and last for a lifetime. Diseases such as cystic fibrosis, albinism, diabetes, cancer, and cardiac disease are among the genetic and inherited ailments. Down syndrome is one of the most common genetic disorders on the list. People frequently mix up Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

While both are related to genetic illnesses and have some traits, they also have key distinguishing characteristics that set them apart. People must comprehend the distinctions between them and seek better treatment and diagnosis alternatives to deal with the sickness or their lifetime.

Let’s take a closer look at these two and learn more about them.

Autism spectrum disorder

You may have seen many people play autistic characters in movies and dramas, and people may imagine the same autistic character in real life, but it is totally different. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s abilities in social interaction, language, and behaviour, among other things. It is estimated that 1 in every 22 babies is born with autism and may exhibit symptoms as early as 2 years of age, although in some situations, people do not exhibit symptoms until they are older or even adults. Needless to say, no one can tell if someone is autistic merely by looking at them.

Down syndrome

Down syndrome is the most common genetic disease, affecting one in every 700 births. It’s a chromosomal disorder that mostly affects pregnant women over the age of 35. Doctors can determine the exact time of birth or confirm it with a blood test.

Causes

• Autism spectrum disorder can be caused by genetics, gene mutations, family history, environmental influences, biological factors, and other factors.

• Down syndrome is caused by a chromosomal abnormality. Mosaic Down syndrome, trisomy 21, and translocation Down syndrome is classified according to the amount of additional copies introduced to the chromosome.

Symptoms

• Autism symptoms include low use of gestures, sensitivity to touch and other objects, and parallel play, whereas Down syndrome symptoms include use of signs and gestures, copying others, and shared attention.

• They are both sluggish to respond when called, have sensory variances, repetitive play, demanding behaviours, prefer to stick to one routine for the rest of their lives, and have developmental differences.

Treatment

Speech therapy and social skills training with drugs are used to treat autistic people, while particular social services are provided to those with Down syndrome. MediPocket world also focuses on comprehensive examination of these disorders and developing the best treatment to assist autistic and down syndrome persons in supporting each other. Partnering with hospitals like cleveland hospitals, mayo clinic, Boston’s children clinic, and UCLA health with a vision of providing sustainable care is what MediPocket world does. Sign up and get connected with the top doctors in the United States.