Many of these physical characteristics can be seen isolated in unaffected children. Associated medical problems Children with Down syndrome are at higher risk for certain medical problems. Infections, heart defects, respiratory problems, obstructed digestive tracts, and childhood leukemia occur more frequently in these children. Most of these medical problems are treatable, and the average life expectancy for a person with Down syndrome is fifty-five years. Your baby may be prone to difficulties with breathing, sucking, and eating.
Hypotonia leads to delays in motor development.
Impressive improvements in motor skills can be achieved if physical therapy is started in the first weeks of life. Your baby will learn to do all the things that other children learn to do, but it will take her a little longer, and she will require a little more patience on your part. She will achieve all of the milestones for a growing child in time. Learning to walk is usually accomplished by two years of age, and potty training by age five. Early intervention programs for children with various developmental disorders are designed to combine physical, occupational, and speech therapies beginning in the first few weeks of life.