Adapting VT for Special Populations Flashcards
What groups of people are special needs?
infant-preschool, ABI/TBI, developmental delay, elite athletes
Down syndrome historically…
one of the first developmental disabilities recognized as a syndrome (Langdon Down 1866); diagnosed based on physical findings
What two features was Down syndrome historically diagnosed based off of?
upward slanting of temporal palpebral fissure and significant epicanthal folds
What are the genetics of Down syndrome?
congenital, inherited genetic anomaly; trisomy 21 (94%), translocation (5%), mosaicism (1%)
What is Trisomy 21?
three copies of chromosome 21
What is Translocation?
portion of chromosome 21 breaks off and attaches to another chromosome; most common attachment chromosome is 14
What is Mosaicism?
some cells have trisomy and some do not, less effects/manifestations
What is the most common genetic anomaly?
Down Syndrome 1:700 babies in the US, all races and socioeconomic levels
What is the biggest risk factor for Down Syndrome??
maternal age, 1:50 for moms over age 44
Why is maternal age not as big of a deal as it seems for Down Syndrome?
80% of babies with DS are born to moms under 35 (more babies)
What is a geriatric pregnancy?
maternal age 35 or more
What are physical characteristics of Down Syndrome?
hypotonia, palmar crease, dysplastic ears, enlarged tongue, dental anomalies, flat nasal bridge
What medical conditions are associated with Down Syndrome?
congenital heart defects (50%), thyroid dysfunction, respiratory problems, digestive problems, increased susceptibility to infection, increased risk for/earlier onset of Alzheimer’s, increased prevalence of ADHD, autism, seizures and leukemia
How is speech and language affected by Down syndrome?
poor hearing… slow auditory processing, need small instruction sets, wait for comprehension before continuing; poor expressive language but OK receptive
What does poor expressive language mean?
unable to verbalize wants/needs well
What does OK receptive language mean?
able to understand what you are saying/asking
What are the three most common ocular manifestations of Down Syndrome?
epicanthal folds, strabismus, significant refractive error
What are other ocular manifestations of Down Syndrome?
oblique and narrow palpebral fissures, nystagmus, keratoconus, cataracts, accommodative issues, amblyopia, glaucoma, astigmatism, blepharitis
In down syndrome which strabismus is more common?
eso
What does significant refractive error mean in relation to Down Syndrome?
hyperopia and astigmatism>myopia but when myopia is present likely -8D or more
What are iris manifestations of Down Syndrome?
iris hypoplasia and brushfield spots
What are optic nerve manifestations of Down Syndrome?
RPE disturbance at disc and hyperemic optic disc
What are exam tips for Down Syndrome?
children may be sensitive to perceived failure, slow down and build confidence, consider longer/multiple appointments
What are glasses fitting considerations for Down Syndrome?
wide nasal bridge, short canthus-to-ear measurement, narrower PD, wider head than age-matched non-DS patients
T/F you must co-manage Down Syndrome patients with their PCP
true