Children with Down Syndrome can lead a normal life if given the right opportunities, the necessary support and appropriate healthcare, said rehabilitation experts at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
Dr. Mahmoud Obeidah, Director of the Child Development Center and Rehabilitation at HMC said his department recently organized an event featuring activities such as educational games, a doll making workshop, facial coloring, photography, henna drawing and balloons arts, to mark the World Down Syndrome Day to demonstrate HMC’s keenness to enhance communication between healthcare providers and patients and their families as well as to bring joy and happiness to the children.
Organized for the sixth consecutive year by the Department of Child Development Center and Rehabilitation in Rumailah Hospital and sponsored by Ooredoo in collaboration with the Physiotherapy, Special Education Center, Department of Occupational Therapy and the Roah Centre. The slogan for the event was: "My Friends and My Community - Benefits of a Comprehensive Environment for Today's Children and Tomorrow's Adults".
"We have organized this event to bring joy and happiness to children with Down Syndrome so they have a sense of belonging among their peers and know that they have equal opportunities in the community," said Dr. Obeidah.
The Early Intervention Program at Rumailah Hospital currently supports about 50 children with Down Syndrome and is being followed in accordance with international standards of care. He added that the family centered program provides a comprehensive multidisciplinary therapeutic service to children from 0-3 years that includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. The program is also being supported by other services including special education, nursing and clinical psychology services according to the children's needs, he added.
Fatma Mustafa, Assistant Director of the Department of Children's Rehabilitation at HMC, said that marking occasions like World Down Syndrome Day provides an opportunity to break down barriers and eliminate the fears and concerns of parents of children with the condition. It also enriches the children’s knowledge of their condition by meeting and interacting with each other.