What is Down Syndrome?
What is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that delays in physical and intellectual development. The condition varies in severity, so developmental problems may range from mild to serious.
Down syndrome is the most common genetic cause of severe learning disabilities in children, occurring in one in every 800 infants. Every year, as many as 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome in the United States. The condition is named after John Langdon Down, the doctor who first identified the syndrome.
There’s no medical cure for this condition. But increased understanding of Down syndrome and early interventions make a big difference in the lives of both children and adults with Down syndrome.
Diagnosis
Down syndrome is usually identified at birth or shortly thereafter. Initially the diagnosis is based on physical characteristics that are commonly seen in babies with Down syndrome. These include low muscle tone, a single crease across the palm of the hand, a slightly flattened facial profile and an upward slant to the eyes. The diagnosis must be confirmed by a chromosome study (karyotype). A karyotype provides a visual display of the chromosomes grouped by their size, number and shape. Chromosomes may be studied by examining blood or tissue cells.
Causes
Down syndrome is usually caused by an error in cell division called nondisjunction. It is not known why this occurs. However, it is known that the error occurs at conception and is not related to anything the mother did during pregnancy. It has been known for some time that the incidence of Down syndrome increases with advancing maternal age. However, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.
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.
Health Issues
Many children with Down syndrome have health complications beyond the usual childhood illnesses. Approximately 40% of the children have congenital heart defects. It is very important that an echocardiogram be performed on all newborns with Down syndrome in order to identify any serious cardiac problems that might be present. Some of the heart conditions require surgery while others only require careful monitoring. Children with Down syndrome have a higher incidence of infection, respiratory, vision and hearing problems as well as thyroid and other medical conditions. However, with appropriate medical care most children and adults with Down syndrome can lead healthy lives. The average life expectancy of individuals with Down syndrome is 55 years, with many living into their sixties and seventies.
Pre-natal Diagnosis
Two types of procedures are available to pregnant women: screening tests and diagnostic tests. The screening tests estimate the risk of the baby having Down syndrome. Diagnostic tests tell whether or not the baby actually has Down syndrome.
Screening Tests
* At this time the most commonly used screening test is “The Triple Screen.” This is a combination of three tests that measure quantities of various substances in the blood. These tests are usually done between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation.
* Sonograms (ultrasounds) are usually performed in conjunction with other screenings. These can show some physical traits that are helpful in calculating the risk of Down syndrome.
* Screening tests do not accurately confirm the diagnosis of Down syndrome. In fact, false positives and false negatives frequently occur.
Diagnostic Tests
Three diagnostic tests are currently available:
* Amniocentesis is performed between 12 and 20 weeks gestation.
* Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) is conducted between 8 and 12 weeks.
* Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling (PUBS) is performed after 20 weeks.

Hello One and All…
I just want to share the good news that my family and I have been blessed with a beautiful blue-eyed blonde girl who is now eleven and was born with down syndrome. Her name is Elisabeth Anne, and she has been the joy of our lives! She is a delight to be around every day. She is very low maintenance and most of the time we don’t even know she’s around. She is never demanding of our time or of anything else for that matter. She is very eager to communicate and to learn. She goes to a nearby school for the deaf and the blind. We are very happy with her school for the most part. Her favorite things are… watching Barney and eating spaghetti. She loves going to church also. She likes to stay home. She’s definitely not a shopper like her mother. She has two brothers in their twenties who adore her. She is loved by all. She was also born healthy, so we’ve been blessed beyond measure. I did have to have her heart monitered for the first six months of her life since she was born with a hole in her heart. She’s also had several sets of tubes put in her ears. She is one happy gal who has taught us alot about love and getting along.
hi everyone i would just like to say that one of my best mates has DS and she is lovely and we have been mates for 5 yrs i thank people with DS are wonderful i think they are very gifted people.
Hello,
I have only today included an amazing little guy to my home day care setting. He is 14 months old. I knew I would want a safe and happy space for special needs to gather, as well as those without special needs. It is my passion to take my STNA
I am an aunt of a 7 yr old girl with down syndrome and I am really looking for forward to learning allot about children with down syndrome. I do have a question, I hope someone can answer me. There was a peom on here last week it was beautiful and I cant locate it. Does anyone know where I can find it? thank you
I am the father of a Down Syndrome teenager (13 yrs old). I found a way to educate people about Down Syndrome through a fictional thriller I wrote and published. I think people would enjoy the book and not realize they are learning about Down Syndrome. Check out my website LaffeyDownsBook.com
Leave a comment!
Articles »
New Photo Albums … Yea!
Hello all,
I just added the ability for everyone to upload their own photos to their own member pages. Just go to the top navigation bar (above) and move your mouse over “My Account”. You will then see an option called “Album” ..
Once you click on Album, choose “Upload Picture”. Fill in a name and a description and choose “browse” and then click submit.
Thats it!
After you are done tell everyone that you have new pictures by either writing on your “Wire” or by adding an entry to the new “Buddy Pictures” Group.
I cant wait to see all the great photos. I just uploaded one of Teddy. Please enjoy. (See Teddy Here).
Blogs »
Featured Blogs - Rebecca Frederick-Jilg
Technicality
This is a little technicality, but since I was made aware of it, I like to make others aware of it also. I used to say it this way, until a friend of mine made …
Books and Videos »
My Son Teddy
Hello everyone..I wanted to post a video of my son Teddy. It has a song that I love that makes me tear up every time. I wanted to kick this multimedia experience off by posting something of my own. I absolutely encourage you all to post your own pictures and videos. As the site grows it will become easier. Please enjoy ..
Education »
Top Ten IEP Tips
The special education advisory council posted the following advice on how to “deal” with your child’s IEP. Their advice is invaluable. More information can be found on their website here.
1. Preparation is a must! If it’s a MET meeting, you need the evaluation to review. Request to meet with the psych beforehand if need be. Don’t try to do the IEP in the same meeting as the MET; it’s too much. Ask to see the goals and a draft beforehand so you aren’t rushed to read through it on the spot.
2. Make a wish list. Don’t go in with too many little things, it will distract everyone and tie up too much time on small points. Go in with your big list of 5. Don’t get sidetracked. Stick to the points.
3. Look ahead. If there is a possible conflicting view on services or placement and you think there will be opposition, do your research. Find studies or research to back your views as well as data on your own child that proves your point. This can include home video, work samples from home or anything you think may convey your viewpoint.
Recent Blog Posts
Hyderabad Corporate Packers and Movers
Moving home from one place to another is a very hectic and chaotic process. It becomes more hectic and chaotic when it comes to shift an office to a new place. Shifting an office to a new place is different than packing up and moving household items. If you are planning to shift your office [...]
A Trouble-free Relocation – Packers and Movers
Delhi Moving Companies – Making Relocation Simpler
Atrial Septal Defect Repair via Cardiac Cath.
Rajasthan Tours – Rajasthan City Tours
Members
Site Wide Activity
Anand Jaiswal wrote a new blog post: Hyderabad Corporate Packers and Movers [Adjust Time Zone] ago
Anand Jaiswal wrote a new blog post: A Trouble-free Relocation – Packers and Movers [Adjust Time Zone] ago
Anand Jaiswal wrote a new blog post: Delhi Moving Companies – Making Relocation Simpler [Adjust Time Zone] ago
Anand Jaiswal joined the group Buddy Pictures 14 minutes ago
Anand Jaiswal joined the group New and Expecting Parents 14 minutes ago
Groups
Who's Online
Archive
Tag Cloud
Most Commented