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Down
Syndrome Facts
Introduction
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.
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Incidence
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.
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Characteristics
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 include:
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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
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Broad
feet with short toes;
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Flat
bridge of the nose;
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Short,
low-set ears;
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Short
neck;
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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.
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Educational
and Employment implications
Shortly after a diagnosis of Down syndrome is confirmed, parents should be
encouraged 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.
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Publications
Cunningham, C. (1996). Understanding Down syndrome: An introduction for parents.
Cambridge,MA: Brookline. (Telephone: 1-800-666-2665.)
Pueschel,
S.M. (Ed.). (1995). A parent's guide to Down syndrome: Toward a brighter future.
Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes. (Telephone: 1-800-638-3775.)
Uhruh,
J.F. (1994). Down syndrome: Successful parenting of children with Down syndrome.
Eugene, OR: Fern Ridge Press. [Telephone: (503) 485-8243.]
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Books
-
Woodbine
House (at 1-800-843-7323) publishes a series of books on Down syndrome,
including:
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Differences
in common: Straight talk about mental retardation, Down syndrome, and life
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Communication
skills in children with Down syndrome: A guide for parents
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Medical
and surgical care for children with Down syndrome: A guide for parents
-
Babies
with Down syndrome: A new parent's guide
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Teaching
reading to children with Down Syndrome
-
Gross
motor skills in children with Down Syndrome
-
Fine
motor skills in children with Down syndrome
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Organizations
National Down Syndrome Congress
7000 Peachtree-Dunwoody Road, NE
Building 5
Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30328-1662
(800) 232-6372; (770) 604-9500
E-mail: NDSCcenter@aol.com
Web address: 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: www.ndss.org
The Arc (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: www.thearc.org
For publications: www.TheArcPub.com
This
document is copyright free. Readers are encouraged to copy and share it with
others. A publication of the National Institute for Child and Human and Human
Development (nichd). URL: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/default.htm
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