October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Learning about Down syndrome and sharing your
knowledge is a great way to raise public awareness and advocate for the acceptance
and inclusion of people with this common disorder.
Celebrating Down syndrome might mean taking time
to get to know someone who is living with it, joining a Buddy Walk in
your area, or volunteering with one of the many Down syndrome advocacy groups.
Appreciating the unique gifts and insights people with Down syndrome have also
empowers them to live their best lives.
What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic condition that can
affect behavior, communication, learning, and movement. It occurs among people of all races, sex, and socioeconomic classes. According
to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, most people with Down
syndrome have a mild to moderate intellectual disability.
Down syndrome is usually caused by an error in
cell division affecting chromosome 21. Chromosomes are part of your DNA, determine traits such as
eye color, and come in pairs, with each cell typically containing two copies of
each chromosome. People with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21,
which can lead to their distinctive physical
features, including:
- Decreased muscle tone
- Almond-shaped eyes
- Flattened facial profile and nose
- Shorter height
- Small ears
- Small hands and feet
- A tongue that tends to stick out of the mouth
There are three types of Down syndrome:
- Trisomy 21. Nearly
all people with Down syndrome have this type. It occurs when there are
three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two.
- Translocation. About
3% of individuals with Down syndrome have this type. They have an extra
copy of chromosome 21 attached to another chromosome.
- Mosaic (or mosaicism). People with mosaic Down syndrome have
three copies of chromosome 21 in some cells and two copies in others.
Roughly 2% of individuals with Down syndrome have this kind.
Physical health and Down syndrome
People with Down syndrome are more likely than the
general population to develop certain physical health concerns, such as:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Decreased vision
- Digestive issues
- Hearing loss
- Heart problems
- Sleep apnea
- Thyroid issues
People with Down syndrome may
have only one or two of these health problems or they may have many.
Quality of life
Though people with Down syndrome may face
challenges others don't, most can live full and happy lives. People with Down
syndrome have diverse interests, needs, and talents and appreciate strong
family relationships and friendships, just like other people.
About 80% of people with Down syndrome live to
be 60 years or older. Many live independently with family support, in a group
home, or in a supervised, independent-living environment. Working and being
active in community programs or hobbies can contribute to a good quality of
life.
Benefits of early intervention for children with Down syndrome
Early intervention services are tied to later
success for people with Down syndrome. These services help children improve
coordination and strength, learn new skills, and reach developmental
milestones.
Early intervention services include:
In the United States, children with Down
syndrome are typically eligible for free early intervention
and special education services.
Learn more about developmental disabilities and how Reid Health
can help you support your child with Down
syndrome.