Consensus Statement of the Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics Chapter of Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) on the Management of Children With Down Syndrome.

JUSTIFICATION: The diagnosis of Down syndrome (DS) is easily made clinically but the management is multi-disciplinary and life-long. There is no standard protocol available for its management in India.

PROCESS: A committee was formed under the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) chapter of Neuro developmental pediatrics consisting of 20 experts working in the related field. The various aspects of the condition were discussed and allotted to the concerned experts related for preparing the guidelines. The material received was collated to form a set of guidelines, which were reviewed by the committee, and a consensus statement made. The guidelines were then approved by the chapter, and by the IAP.

OBJECTIVES: To define the condition and to look into the various aspects of antenatal and postnatal diagnosis. To explain briefly about the involvement of the various systems that are involved and formulate recommendations for management. To recommend early and sustained interventional therapies to enable children with DS lead an independent life.

RECOMMENDATIONS: The stress on bio-psycho-social strategy for the management of children with DS is reiterated, and the need for a medical, social and rights model is recommended after each section. The age-wise recommendations are also highlighted in addition to the recommendations under each system.