Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is more common in individuals with Down syndrome than it is in the general population. It’s often difficult to detect and diagnose ADHD in this population, because many of the symptoms of ADHD are also common in people with Down syndrome. Still, it’s important to discuss any ADHD-related symptoms with the health care provider, including excessive distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Standard medications for ADHD are generally effective in children with Down syndrome, along with behavioral intervention, appropriate supervision, and strategies such as activity schedules and visual reminders.

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Attention deficits and hyperactivity are part of the behaviors normally associated with Down syndrome, and medications are not appropriate for these children.
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Autistic Disorders

Autism is diagnosed in 5-10% of people with Down syndrome, compared to only 0.13% of the general population. Once again, autism (or autistic spectrum disorder, as it is also called) can be quite difficult to identify in children with Down syndrome. Autism involves impairments across three areas: social interaction, communication, and behavior. Down syndrome also impacts the child’s development in these three areas, making diagnosis tricky. Still, unusual behaviors, social interactions, or communication issues should be discussed with the health care provider.

Once a diagnosis of autism is made, nurses can be instrumental in obtaining behavioral services for the child and family. When medications are used to treat the disorder, it’s important to monitor both therapeutic effects and undesirable side effects. Since youngsters with autism may require more supervision and direction from parents, respite care for the family may be even more necessary than usual.

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Autism is more common in children with Down syndrome than it is in the general population, and behavioral services or respite care may be very helpful.
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Although obsessions are rare in individuals with Down syndrome, compulsive behaviors occur quite often. Some compulsive behaviors, such as manipulating straws or stuffed animals, are relatively harmless. Others, such as hair-pulling or continual hand-rubbing, can cause damage to the hair or skin. Compulsive behaviors can also endanger the child with Down syndrome or others in the environment, if they involve kitchen appliances, tying rope, or other unsafe behaviors. Standard medications for OCD have been used successfully in youngsters with Down syndrome.

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Compulsive behaviors are to be expected as a normal part of Down syndrome, and it’s always best to use selective ignoring when the child acts compulsively.
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