Home treatment for
Klinefelter syndrome is directed at understanding your
son's emotional, physical, behavioral, and learning needs. If your son has been
diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome:
- Recognize your feelings. It is natural for
parents to feel that they have done something to cause Klinefelter syndrome.
But this condition is a
genetic disorder and was beyond anyone's control.
Allow yourself time to deal with your feelings and talk with your son's doctor
about your concerns.
- Educate yourself about the disorder. The
common problem for parents is fear of the unknown. Educating yourself will help
you learn how to help your son.
- Support your son. Provide education
appropriate for his age about Klinefelter syndrome and give him the emotional
support and encouragement he needs. Remind him that most men who have
Klinefelter syndrome go through life with few problems.
- Be actively
involved in your son's care. Talk with your doctor about his treatment. If
counseling for behavioral problems is needed, or if your son has difficulty
reading or has poor verbal skills, get help from qualified professionals who
have experience working with boys who have Klinefelter
- Encourage your son to take part in
activities to improve his physical motor skills, such
as karate, soccer, basketball, baseball, or swimming. For more information, see the topic Physical Activity for Children and Teens.
- Work with
your son's teachers, principal, and school administrators.
- Contact his teachers on a regular basis to
compare how he is doing at home and at school.
- When appropriate,
let your son be present for talks with his teachers. Use brief notes, telephone
calls, and meetings to identify and solve problems.
articles and pamphlets to your son's teachers and school principal about
- Encourage your son's independence. Although it is
important to be supportive, realize that watching over your son too much can
send the message that you think he is not able to do things on his own.
- Growth and development: Helping your child build self-esteem
If you suspect Klinefelter syndrome
development (such as growth of the penis,
testicles, and facial hair) and muscle development are
very important to teenage boys. A boy who is not developing like other boys his
age may be afraid of being rejected and ridiculed by his peers. Early diagnosis
and treatment for Klinefelter syndrome may prevent some of this. Talk to your
doctor if your preteen or teenager is not developing like other boys his age,
is behind in school or having behavior problems, or has unusually long legs
compared with other family members. See a picture of a
male with Klinefelter syndrome.