Down Syndrome: Living Life to the Fullest
  • Welcome
  • Some Facts
  • You're Not Alone
  • Developmental Milestones
  • Impact of Disability
  • Recommendations
  • Helpful Devices
  • Helpful Activities
  • Community Services
  • References
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                        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)



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