Final answer:
Specialized growth charts are used for children with Down syndrome, obesity, and phenylketonuria (PKU), as they have unique growth patterns or conditions that require tailored monitoring.
Step-by-step explanation:
Specialized growth charts are available for children with specific health conditions to more accurately track growth and development. For instance, children with Down syndrome have their own growth charts due to the distinctive growth patterns associated with their chromosomal disorder. Often characterized by physical growth delays, these children may also exhibit intellectual disabilities and are typically diagnosed by the presence of an extra chromosome 21, as shown in the provided figure 3.7.2.
Growth charts for children who are obese serve as an important tool as well. Obesity in children is considered when their Body Mass Index (BMI) is at or above the 95th percentile compared to children of the same age and sex. This is a distressing trend that can lead to serious health issues like type 2 diabetes and heart disease later in life, making it vital to monitor and manage their growth diligently. These specialized charts help to track the growth of children who may be experiencing a weight that is at least 20 percent above what is considered healthy for their height.
Lastly, for children with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare inherited metabolic disorder, specialized growth charts may also be used. PKU requires dietary management to prevent intellectual disability and other health issues, which can impact growth and development.