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
What are the physical characteristics of Down syndrome?
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.
What kind of life skills does a person with Down syndrome
have?
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, lean
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.
How do you write Down syndrome?
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.
