Down Syndrome Motor Skills and Athletics - Since the majority of children with Down syndrome are born with heart defects and problems, they are automatically at a disadvantage when it comes to...
What Is Down Syndrome?
A French physician Jerome Lejeune discovered in 1959 that people who have the characteristics of Down Syndrome as described by John Langdon Down, all had one thing in common. They all had in common the fact that instead of the normal 46 chromosomes they had and extra chromosome or an extra partial chromosome. One in every 733 live births results in a baby born with Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome is a genetic condition.
Down Syndrome Resources List - Knowledge is the single most important tool a person can have when they are dealing with any type of challenge. There are many resources available that...
The genetic syndrome affects female and male babies. It can strike any race or economic class. It is the most common of all genetic syndromes. Some sort of chromosomal mishap causes more than half of all miscarriages. An extra copy of the 21st chromosome is what makes the most common form of Down Syndrome.
Down Syndrome Truths vs Myths - Myth: Children with Down syndrome are born only to older parents. The risk of having a child with Down syndrome go up in mothers over the age of 35...
Pregnant women over the age of 35 have the highest risk of giving birth to a baby with Down Syndrome. Her chances are 1 in 400 that she will conceive a child with Down Syndrome. At age 40 her risk has just increased to 1 in 110. Once she has her 45th birthday she now has a 1 in 35 chance of conceiving a child with Down Syndrome. Today more women are postponing having a family for career or educational reasons so more woman are older when they decide to start a family.
Down Syndrome: What to Expect - You may just have been told your unborn child possibly has Down Syndrome or perhaps your newborn son or daughter has just been diagnosed with Down Syndrome....
Facts:
There are approximately 5,000 Down Syndrome babies born every year in the United States.
80% of children born with Down Syndrome are born to moms who are 35 years old or younger.
Most individuals who have Down Syndrome have IQs that range from mild to moderate retardation.
Down Syndrome: Just the Facts - Down Syndrome is a condition that is genetic in nature. Approximately 1 in every 800 infants will be born with Down Syndrome.
Children with Down Syndrome are capable of being educated.
Individuals with Down Syndrome live at home with their families, go to school, have jobs, participate in sports, are active in their communities, socialize and have families.
Physical Characteristics:
A single transverse palmar crease across one or both hands
Education and Schooling for Children with Down Syndrome - There are many school systems that do not use inclusion to educate their children with Down syndrome. In these cases, the children are in their own...
An almond shape to their eyes
Shorter than normal limbs
Poor muscle tones
Protruding tongue
Higher risk for congenital heart defects
Higher than normal risk for gastroesophageal reflux disease
Possible ear infections
Possible obstructive sleep apnea
Possible thyroid dysfunctions
Flat nasal bridge
Proper medical care, a nurturing environment, and education can together improve the lifestyle of the individual with Down Syndrome
Employment for Persons with Down Syndrome - Everyday individuals with Down syndrome strive to accomplish the same goals as everyone else. They want self-fulfillment, pride in their achievements,...
A larger than normal space between the large toe and the 2nd toe
An IQ in the mild retardation range (IQ 50-70) or in the moderately retarded range (IQ 35-50)
Small oral cavity
Enlarged tongue near the tonsils
Short neck
White spots on the iris of the eye known as Brushfield spots
Evaluating a Child with Down Syndrome - As with most disabilities there comes a time when your child will need to have an evaluation, generally for school. Sometimes the school will request...
Very flexible joints
The symptoms of Down Syndrome can vary from one child to the next. One child with Down Syndrome may need a lot of medical intervention and the next child may have mild symptoms and lead a near normal life being healthy and leading an independent lifestyle. The symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Down Syndrome cannot be prevented as it is genetic in nature. It can however be detected during pregnancy. The medical issues associated with Down Syndrome can be treated and there are many community resources available to assist families dealing with downs.
© Information Warehouse 2007
All articles on this site are for information only and should not be treated as medical advice.
If you experience any symptoms, consult a medical professional.