Downs Syndrome, Down Syndrom, Downs Syndrom
Basic Down Syndrome Facts
Down syndrome is the most common and readily identifiable chromosomal
condition associated with mental retardation. It is caused by a chromosomal
abnormality: for some unexplained reason, an accident in cell development
results in 47 instead of the usual 46 chromosomes.
This extra chromosome changes
the orderly development of the body and brain. In most cases, the diagnosis of
Down syndrome is made according to results from a chromosome test administered
shortly after birth.
Down Syndrome Facts & Statistics
Approximately 4,000 children with Down syndrome are born in the U.S. each
year, or about 1 in every 800 to 1,000 live births. Although parents of any age
may have child with Down syndrome, the incidence is higher for women over 35.
Most common forms of the syndrome do not usually occur more than once in a
family.
Characteristics of Down Syndrome
There are over 50 clinical signs of Down syndrome, but it is rare to find all
or even most of them in one person. Some common characteristics and down syndrome facts include:
- Poor muscle tone;
- Slanting eyes with folds of skin at the inner corners (called
epicanthal folds);
- Hyperflexibility (excessive ability to extend the joints);
- Short, broad hands with a single crease across the palm on one
or both hands;
- Broad feet with short toes;
- Flat bridge of the nose;
- Short, low-set ears;
- Short neck;
- Small head;
- Small oral cavity; and/or
- Short, high-pitched cries in infancy.
Individuals with
Down syndrome are usually smaller than their non-disabled peers, and their
physical as well as intellectual development is slower.
Besides having a
distinct physical appearance, children with Down syndrome frequently have
specific health-related problems. A lowered resistance to infection makes these
children more prone to respiratory problems. Visual problems such as crossed
eyes and far- or nearsightedness are higher in those with Down syndrome, as are
mild to moderate hearing loss and speech difficulty.
Approximately one
third of babies born with Down syndrome have heart defects, most of which are
now successfully correctable. Some individuals are born with gastrointestinal
tract problems that can be surgically corrected.
Some people with Down
syndrome also may have a condition known as Atlantoaxial Instability, a
misalignment of the top two vertebrae of the neck. This condition makes these
individuals more prone to injury if they participate in activities which
overextend or flex the neck. Parents are urged to have their child examined by a
physician to determine whether or not their child should be restricted from
sports and activities which place stress on the neck. Although this misalignment
is a potentially serious condition, proper diagnosis can help prevent serious
injury.
Children with Down syndrome may have a tendency to become obese
as they grow older. Besides having negative social implications, this weight
gain threatens these individuals' health and longevity. A supervised diet and
exercise program may help reduce this problem.
It is important for parents and caregivers to have a full understanding of
down syndrome facts and access to support in order that they can best help
the child reach their full potential.
Down Syndrome Educational and Employment ImplicationsShortly after a diagnoses of
Down syndrome is confirmed, parents should be encouraged to talk with their
doctors to understand the relevant down syndrome facts, and to enroll their child
in an infant development/early intervention program. These programs offer
parents special instruction in teaching their child language, cognitive,
self-help, and social skills, and specific exercises for gross and fine motor
development. Research has shown that stimulation during early developmental
stages improves the child's chances of developing to his or her fullest
potential. Continuing education, positive public attitudes, and a stimulating
home environment have also been found to promote the child's overall
development.
Just as in the normal population, there is a wide variation
in mental abilities, behavior, and developmental progress in individuals with
Down syndrome. Their level of retardation may range from mild to severe, with
the majority functioning in the mild to moderate range. Due to these individual
differences, it is impossible to predict future achievements of children with
Down syndrome.
Because of the range of ability in children with Down
syndrome it is important for families and all members of the school's education
team to place few limitations on potential capabilities. It may be effective to
emphasize concrete concepts rather than abstract ideas. Teaching tasks in a
step-by-step manner with frequent reinforcement and consistent feedback has been
proven successful. Improved public acceptance of persons with disabilities along
with increased opportunities for adults with disabilities to live and work
independently in the community, have expanded goals for individuals with Down
syndrome. Independent Living Centers, group shared and supervised apartments and
support services in the community have proven to be important resources for
persons with disabilities.
Cunningham, C. (1999). Understanding Down syndrome: An
introduction for parents (2nd ed.). Cambridge, MA: Brookline. (Telephone:
1-800-666-2665. Web: http://www.brooklinebooks.com/)
Pueschel,
S.M. (Ed.). (2001). A parent's guide to Down syndrome: Toward a brighter
future (2nd ed.). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes. (Telephone:
1-800-638-3775. Web: http://www.brookespublishing.com/)
Uhruh,
J.F. (1994). Down syndrome: Successful parenting of children with Down
syndrome. Eugene, OR: Fern Ridge Press. [Telephone: 1-800-816-5679. Web: http://www.fernridgepress.com/]
Woodbine
House (at 1-800-843-7323; Web: http://www.woodbinehouse.com/)
publishes a series of books on Down syndrome, including:
- Babies with Down syndrome: A new parent's guide
- Teaching reading to children with Down syndrome
- Differences in common: Straight talk about mental
retardation, Down syndrome, and life
- Communication skills in children with Down syndrome: A guide
for parents
- Medical and surgical care for children with Down syndrome: A
guide for parents
- Gross motor skills in children with Down syndrome
- Fine Motor skills in children with Down syndrome
Keeping on Top of Your Condition
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More Information on Down SyndromeNational Down Syndrome Congress
1370 Center Drive,
Suite 102
Atlanta, GA 30338
(800) 232-6372; (770) 604-9500
E-mail: info@ndsccenter.org
Web address: http://www.ndsccenter.org/
National
Down Syndrome Society
666 Broadway, 8th Floor
New York, NY 10012
(212)
460-9330
(1-800) 221-4602 (Toll Free)
E-mail: info@ndss.org
Web address:
http://www.ndss.org/
The Arc of the
United States (formerly the Association for Retarded Citizens of the United
States)
1010 Wayne Avenue, Suite 650
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301)
565-3842
E-mail: info@thearc.org
Web
address: http://www.thearc.org/
For
publications: http://www.thearcpub.com/
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