Spreading More Smiles
Than Tears
Down Syndrome Awareness
Upside 2 Downs
Down syndrome, or Down's syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. It is named after John Langdon Down, the British physician who described the syndrome in 1866. The disorder was identified as a chromosome 21 trisomy by Jérôme Lejeune in 1959. The condition is characterized by a combination of major and minor differences in structure. Often Down syndrome is associated with some impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth as well as facial appearance. Down syndrome in a baby can be identified with amniocentesis, a medical procedure used in prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities during pregnancy or at birth.
Jérôme Lejeune
John Langdon Down
Down syndrome is usually caused by an error in cell division called "nondisjunction." Nondisjunction results in an embryo with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two. Prior to or at conception, a pair of 21st chromosomes in either the sperm or the egg fails to separate. As the embryo develops, the extra chromosome is replicated in every cell of the body. This type of Down syndrome, which accounts for 95% of cases, is called Trisomy 21.
Mosaicism occurs when nondisjunction of chromosome 21 takes place in one-but not all-of the initial cell divisions after fertilization. When this occurs, there is a mixture of two types of cells, some containing the usual 46 chromosomes and others containing 47. Those cells with 47 chromosomes contain an extra chromosome 21. Mosaicism accounts for about 1% of all cases of Down syndrome. Research has indicated that individuals with mosaic Down syndrome may have fewer characteristics of Down syndrome than those with other types of Down syndrome. However, broad generalizations are not possible due to the wide range of abilities people with Down syndrome possess.
Translocation accounts for about 4% of all cases of Down syndrome. In translocation, part of chromosome 21 breaks off during cell division and attaches to another chromosome, typically chromosome 14. While the total number of chromosomes in the cells remain 46, the presence of an extra part of chromosome 21 causes the characteristics of Down syndrome.
The number one fact is that these children do not need to be aborted. With the latest medical technology, different therapies and agencies available, the help is out there.
Down syndrome will not be the most interesting thing about your son or daughter. Remember that raising any child fills your life with unimaginable delight and difficulties. We can no longer predict how far our children will go.
I am convinced that the biggest handicap Down syndrome children have is the low expectations of their parents.
Yes, you have to put some effort into these children to help enhance their developmental delays. When you think about that...isn't that every child.
Those who have Down Syndrome do not suffer from it nor are they retarded. They just require a little more help than others, but are capable of leading a productive life
Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.
Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 733 babies is born with Down syndrome.
There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.
Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels.
The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.
People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.
A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all.
Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.
Children with DS benefit from the same care, attention, and inclusion in community life that help every child grow. As with all children, quality education in neighborhood schools and preschools or at home is important to provide your child the opportunities that are needed to develop strong academic skills.
All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.
In a study, siblings suggest that parents should:
*Be open and honest
*Limit the caregiving responsibilities of siblings
*Use respite care and other supportive services
*Accept the disability so that you know how to help develop them
*Schedule special time with the nondisabled sibling
*Let siblings settle their own differences
*Welcome other children and friends into the home
*Praise all siblings
*Recognize that they are the most important, most powerful teachers of their children
*Listen to siblings
*Involve all siblings in family events and decisions
*Require the disabled child to do as much for himself or herself as possible
*Recognize each child's unique qualities and family contribution
*Recognize special stress times for siblings and plan to minimize negative effects
*Use professionals when indicated to help siblings
*Teach siblings to interact
*Provide opportunities for a normal family life and normal family activities
Learning & Development
It is important to remember that while children and adults with Down syndrome experience developmental delays, they also have many talents and gifts and should be given the opportunity and encouragement to develop them.
Most children with Down syndrome have mild to moderate impairments but it is important to note that they are more like other children than they are different. Early Intervention services should be provided shortly after birth. These services should include physical, speech and developmental therapies. Most children attend their neighborhood schools, some in regular classes and others in special education classes. Some children have more significant needs and require a more specialized program.
Some high school graduates with Down syndrome participate in post-secondary education. Many adults with Down syndrome are capable of working in the community, but some require a more structured environment.
Heart defects: Almost half of babies with Down syndrome have heart defects. Some defects are minor and may be treated with medications, while others require surgery. All babies with Down syndrome should be examined by a pediatric cardiologist, a doctor who specializes in heart diseases of children. They also should have an echocardiogram, a special ultrasound of the heart, in the first 2 months of life so that heart defects can be detected and treated, if needed .
Intro
Trisomy 21
Mosaic
Translocation
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Facts
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For Siblings
Learning
Heart Defects
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