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Down syndrome is a genetic disorder.
We are made up of 46 chromosomes; in most cases of Down syndrome the child will inherit one extra chromosome. It is this extra genetic material that causes Down syndrome.
Some common features in Down syndrome are (this is not to say they are all the same);
n Flattened facial features
n Protruding tongue
n Small head
n Upward slanting eyes
n Unusually shaped ears
n Poor muscle tone
n Broad, short hands with a single crease in the palm
n Short fingers
n Excessive flexibility
More than half the children born with Down syndrome will suffer some form of heart defect, and because of their abnormalities they are prone to suffer a number of medical conditions;
n Leukaemia
n Infectious diseases
n Dementia
n Gastrointestinal blockage
n Thyroid problems
n Hearing loss
n Poor vision
There is no medical cure for Down syndrome. Working with a team of professionals will benefit the development of your child. You will find that with early intervention your child will sit, crawl, walk or say their first word, maybe a little later than a child who does not have Down syndrome, but with this early intervention the chances of success are much higher
Down syndrome affects children’s’ abilities in many different ways, most do have a mild to moderate mental retardation. Children with Down syndrome are capable of developing skills through out their lives. In today’s society many children that have down syndrome grow up going to school and enjoying many of the same activities as other children their own age. Many will lead semi independent lives.
Some of the risk factors as to why some people may have a child with Down syndrome include;
n A woman’s age – after 35 the risk are much higher
n A mother who has already had a child with down syndrome
n Parents who are carriers of the genetic translocation for Down syndrome.
I hope this helps………………..
(August 2007) (
