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HANAH Foundation

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Welcome.

Hanah International Foundation directly supports initiatives on demand of parents of children with special communication needs to join them in optimizing the family situation.

For that purpose we offer the experience of an international network of regional independent experts and experienced parents that exist meanwhile from the Baltic to the Black Sea.

This network aims at sharing knowledge, skills and enthusiasm of parents, children and professionals.

Hanah International does not provide any direct financial support, equipment or other facilities other than in Hanah activities.

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Down Syndrome

Down syndrome (DS), also called Trisomy 21, is a genetic condition that causes delays in physical and intellectual development. It occurs in approximately one in every 800 live births. Individuals with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. It is the most frequently occurring chromosomal disorder. Down syndrome is not related to race, nationality, religion or socioeconomic status. The most important to know about individuals with Down syndrome is that they are more like others than they are different.

While children and adults with Down syndrome experience developmental delays, they also have many talents and gifts and should be given the opportunity and encouragement to develop them.

Most children with Down syndrome have mild to moderate impairments but they are more like other children than they are different. Early Intervention should support physical, speech and developmental development. In a lot of countries most children attend their neighborhood schools, some in regular classes and others in special education classes. Some children have more significant needs and require a more specialized program.

Some high school graduates with Down syndrome participate in post-secondary education. Many adults with Down syndrome are capable of working in the community, but some require a more structured environment.

Many children with Down syndrome have health complications beyond the usual childhood illnesses. Approximately 40% of the children have congenital heart defects. Some of the heart conditions require surgery while others only require careful monitoring. Children with Down syndrome have a higher incidence of infection, respiratory, vision and hearing problems as well as thyroid and other medical conditions. Appropriate medical care can offer most children and adults with Down syndrome healthy lives. The average life expectancy of individuals with Down syndrome meanwhile is 55 years, with many living into their sixties and seventies.

In this section you will find various pages about Down Syndrome topics.