15 (Surprising) Facts about Down Syndrome:
October 15, 2013
At age 25, a woman has a one in 1,250 risk for having a child with Down syndrome. The risk increases to one in 952 at age 30, to one in 378 at age 35, to one in 106 at age 40 and one in 35 at age 45. However, 80% of children born with Down syndrome are born to mothers under the age of 35. This is because most babies, in general, are born to younger women.
(webmd.com)
Today, many kids with Down syndrome go to school and enjoy many of the same activities as other kids their age. A few go on to college. Many transition to semi-independent living. Still others continue to live at home but are able to hold jobs, thus finding their own success in the community.
(kidshealth.org)
October 13, 2013
Other medical conditions that may occur more frequently in kids with DS include thyroid problems, intestinal abnormalities, seizure disorders, respiratory problems, obesity, an increased susceptibility to infection, and a higher risk of childhood leukemia.
(kidshealth.org)
October 12, 2013
At birth, kids with DS are usually of average size, but they tend to grow at a slower rate and remain smaller than their peers. For infants, low muscle tone (hypotonia) may contribute to sucking and feeding problems, as well as constipation and other digestive issues. Toddlers and older kids may have delays in speech and self-care skills like feeding, dressing, and toilet teaching.
(kidshealth.org)
A surprising fact is Down syndrome is not rare. About 1 in every 700 babies is born with Down syndrome and over 6000 babies are born with Down syndrome in the US each year. Currently, it is estimated that there are over 350,000 individuals with Down syndrome in the United States.
(ndss.org)
October 10, 2013
In almost every community of the United States there are parent support groups and other community organizations directly involved in providing services to the families of individuals with Down syndrome.
(ndss.org)
October 9, 2013
Down syndrome is hereditary in approximately 1% of all instances. In the other 99% of cases Down syndrome is completely random and the only known factor that increases the risk is the age of the mother (over 35). Translocation is the only type of Down syndrome known to have hereditary link. Translocation accounts for 3 to 4% of all cases of Down syndrome. Of those, one third (or 1% of all cases of Down syndrome) are hereditary.
(ndss.org)
October 8, 2013While there is currently no way to prevent Down syndrome, mothers can take steps before and during pregnancy to have a healthy pregnancy. Steps include taking a daily multivitamin with folic acid (400 micrograms), not smoking, and not drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
(CDC web site)
People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.
(National Down Syndrome Society web site)
October 6, 2013
There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.
There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.
(health.ninemsn.com)
October 5, 2013
You might have some difficulty understanding what a person with Down's Syndrome is saying, but they are usually excellent communicators. Please listen carefully and give them time. Their understanding is usually much better than their speech. Some have a lot to say!
October 5, 2013
You might have some difficulty understanding what a person with Down's Syndrome is saying, but they are usually excellent communicators. Please listen carefully and give them time. Their understanding is usually much better than their speech. Some have a lot to say!
(health.ninemsn.com)
October 4, 2013
October 4, 2013
Down's syndrome is a Trisomy - meaning there are 3 copies, instead of 2, of any given chromosome. Medically, Down's syndrome is known as Trisomy 21 because it's the 21st chromosome that is affected; it's also the most common type of trisomy. Down's syndrome is not a disease.
(http://mdbeau.blogspot.com web site)
October 3, 2013
Many children with Down syndrome have health complications beyond the usual childhood illnesses. Approximately 40% of the children have congenital heart defects.
(National Association for Down's Syndrome web site)
October 2, 2013
October 2, 2013
Most children with Down syndrome have mild to moderate impairments but it is important to note that they are more like other children than they are different. Early Intervention services should be provided shortly after birth. These services should include physical, speech and developmental therapies. Most children attend their neighborhood schools, some in regular classes and others in special education classes. Some children have more significant needs and require a more specialized program.
(National Association for Down's syndrome)
October 1, 2013
October 1, 2013
The cause of Down syndrome is unknown. In a process called non-disjunction, the two copies of chromosome 21 fail to separate during formation of the egg, resulting in an egg with two copies of the chromosome. When this egg is fertilized, the resulting baby ends up with three copies of chromosome 21 in each of its cells. The cause of this non-disjunction remains unknown.
(Global Down's Syndrome Foundation web site)
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