Between 9 and 12 months vision should be checked by the Ophthalmologist. Vision problems are very common in children with Down’s syndrome and it is important to ensure that sight difficulties are detected and the right glasses worn so that the child’s ability to learn is not impeded. Children with a visual defect will be kept under close review. To book your free home eye test click here.
Children with no obvious visual problems will have a further ophthalmological review at around 4 years of age.
After the age of 4 vision should be checked at least every two years throughout life.
Hearing should also be checked between 6 and 12 months. Children with Down’s syndrome often have hearing problems due to their smaller ear canals which do not conduct sound so well. Hearing problems can impede the child’s ability to learn. Children with Down’s syndrome are also more prone to glue ear. Hearing tests should then be done every year until the child reaches the age of 5 and every 2 years after this throughout life, more often if problems are identified.
Thyroid checks should be done every year until adulthood after which bloods are tested every 2 to 3 years.
Dental checks should take place from the age of 2 years and be carried out every 6 months.
