Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome

What are the organizations that help educate about individuals with Down syndrome?

What is Down syndrome?

-Global Down Syndrome Foundation

-National Down Syndrome Congress

-National Down Syndrome Society

What is the cause of Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a congenital disorder arising from a chromosome defect, causing intellectual impairment and physical abnormalities including short stature and a broad facial profile. It arises from a defect involving chromosome 21, usually an extra copy (trisomy-21).

-Down syndrome is caused by extra genetic material in chromosome 21.

-This can be due to a process called nondisjunction, in which genetic materials fail to separate during a crucial part of the formation of gametes, resulting in an extra chromosome( called trisomy 21)

-The cause of of nondisjunction is not known, although it correlates with a woman's age reference.

How can we help?!

- Treat them like you would anyone else! They deserve the same amount of respect anyone else does.

- Get involved! join various organizations such as Best Buddies organization, walk in your local Best Buddies walk, and volunteer to work at the Special Olympics

- Spread awareness! Be active in Down syndrome awareness month and day and spread awareness, advocacy, and inclusion throughout your community

- Take action! Advocate for people with Down syndrome by joining forces with the NDSS National Policy Center

What are the typical physical characteristics of individuals with Down syndrome?

What is the prevalence of Down syndrome?

What are the health implications of Down syndrome?

- decreased muscle tone

-flat face

-eyes slanting up

-irregular shaped ears

-ability to extend joints beyond the usual

-large space between the big toe and neighboring toe

-large tongue relative to the mouth

-6000 diagnoses of Down syndrome each year in the United States

-one in every 691 babies is born with Down syndrome

-the risk increases with mothers age(higher risk after age 35)

-Respiratory infections are more common among people with Down syndrome, especially during the first five years of life.

-Infections of the skin and the bladder are also common.

heart defects occur in around 47% of individuals with syndrome.

-Children with Down Syndrome have a 10 to 20 fold increased risk of developing leukemia.

-Thyroid disorders are more prevalent among individuals with Down syndrome.

up to 80% of children with Down syndrome experience hearing loss, sometimes severe

- People with Down syndrome are more likely to experience vision disorders such as short sightedness, long sightedness and astigmatism.

-High incidence of sleep disturbance among children and adolescents with Down syndrome.