Down syndrome is the most common survivable genetic difference affecting one in every 733 live births according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. “Trisomy 21” the most common type of DS is caused by an extra (third) copy of the 21st chromosome. The genes on the extra chromosome interact with other genes causing varying degrees of learning difficulties as well as physical disabilities. The learning difficulties or degree of intellectual disability can be mild to severe, but most commonly falls somewhere in the moderate area.
Individuals with DS have physical characteristics similar to a family or ethnic resemblance. Individuals with DS are also just that, individuals. The effects of the extra chromosome do not affect each person the exactly same. Some of the most common physical characteristics include:
Facial features: A person with DS’s face may be slightly broader with a flatter nasal bridge. Their eyes may appear to slant upward and have a small fold of skin on the inner corners called epicanthal folds. Their mouth may be small which might cause their tongue to appear large and poor muscle tone may cause the tongue to protrude. Their ears may be small, lower set on the head and tops may fold over.
Body: Babies with DS usually start out at average weight and length. As they grow individuals with DS often fall behind their typical peers. Adult males have an average height of 5 feet 2 inches and women reach about 41/2 feet. People with DS often have smaller hands and feet. The palm of their hands might have a single crease across it called a simian crease or a transverse palmar and the fifth finger may curve inward slightly.
Babies with Down syndrome usually participate in “early intervention” a program developed for an individual child that may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and more. Babies and toddlers with DS also benefit from community programs like Mommy and Me, play groups, swimming and music programs.
Children with DS are educated in many different ways. Some are included in the typical classroom with typical peers, sometimes with the help of a personal aid. Some may participate in a special education classroom on a typical school campus to enable them to have social and some class interaction with typical peers. Others are educated at a special education school with other peers with disabilities. Children with DS also participate in many extra-curricular programs; typical athletic programs that they are included in like karate and swimming and also in programs developed just for individuals with disabilities like Special Olympics and Challenger Little League. Some children with DS enjoy music and drama classes, visual arts instruction and computers.
Many adults with DS live independently or in supported living programs. Others choose to live with their parents for some time. Many individuals with DS have jobs, some work independently while others have job coaches to assist them. Some adults with DS prefer to attend day programs that can focus on activities such as academics, the arts, recreation and life skills Some adults with DS rely on parents and friends for transportation, some use public transit independently and a few are able to pass their state driving test and get a license. There are also opportunities for continued education for adults with DS in the form of post secondary schools particularly focused on life skills and vocational training as well as taking classes offered at local community colleges. Most adults with DS have speech and can take care of their personal daily needs.
People with DS often find a lot of satisfaction in the activities that they participate in and experience. Most individuals with DS grow, learn and function well within the typical community. One area of strength for individuals with DS is their social skills which often exceed their academic achievements and help them to achieve a happy and productive life.
In the United States it is written: Down syndrome. There is no possession to the Down. The characteristics of the syndrome were first identified by Dr. Landon Down. The syndrome does not belong to Dr. Down, so no “’s” follows his name. We do however capitalize Down since it refers to a name. The syndrome is written with a lower case “s.” In the United Kingdome and some other countries it is referred to as Down’s syndrome.
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