Down Syndrome: Some Facts

Down Syndrome is the most common genetic condition (caused by an additional copy of the 21st chromosome) and affects 1 out of every 700 babies. In the US approximately 600,000 babies are born each year with Down Syndrome (www.ndss.org).  

Down Syndrome can effect both the mental and physical functioning of a child.  Most children with Down Syndrome have mild to moderate intellectual impairment (www.ndss.org).

There are over 50 different physical characteristics that could be associated with Down Syndrome children, however, many of these features also occur in children that do not have Down Syndrome (www.ndss.org).  Some general physical characteristics that can be associated with Down Syndrome children are: short in stature, low tone in muscles (hypotonicity), wide neck, short arms/legs, a single crease across the center of the palms of the hands (palmar crease) and protruding tongue (www.webmd.com).

Some medical conditions that can be related to Down Syndrome are: joint hypermobility syndromes, heart defects (usually detected at birth or soon after), hypothyroidism, celiac disease and sensory issue's such as hearing, sight, speech and touch. (www.webmd.com)

Common behavioral characteristics include: cheerful, spontaneous, gentle, tolerant, patient, anxious and stubborn.
(http://www.wellness.com/reference/conditions/down-syndrome/symptoms-and-causes)